In the past few years, forward head posture (often abbreviated as FHP) has been seen in an increasing number of patients. Unfortunately, our modern lifestyles seem to greatly contribute to this condition. For example, texting, typing, driving, and working at a desk all force us into a forward head posture.

For those looking for relief from their FHP symptoms, chiropractic care offers a safe, effective treatment option. In this article, we will take a closer look at the issue of FHP and show how chiropractic care can be the perfect solution for this condition.

What is Forward Head Posture?

Specifically, forward head posture is a condition in which the chin is jutted forward, the head is extended backward, and the shoulders are rounded. 

This posture makes it difficult to raise the arms up overhead or to even straighten out the neck. Worst of all, FHP is usually associated with chronic, nagging pain in the neck.

 

What Causes Forward Head Posture?

As was mentioned earlier, FHP usually results from a sustained posture in which the shoulders are rounded, and the chin is protracted. 

Sometimes, FHP is called “text neck.” This is because many young people, who use their cell phones all day long, will develop a severe form of FHP. This kind of neck pain is hard to resolve, especially when it develops early in life. 

Besides texting, working at a desk can also lead to FHP. Therefore, tons of office workers and students suffer from FHP.

Basically, any position that forces the patient to assume the FHP position on a regular basis can eventually lead to the condition in question.

 

What are the Symptoms of FHP?

As we’ve touched on, the main symptom of FHP is poor posture. This poor posture leads to tightness in the muscles of the upper back and neck, along with associated pain in these areas.

Some patients with FHP will also experience headaches. This type of headache is known as a cervicogenic headache. Basically, this means that the headache is caused by an issue stemming from the neck.

 

Diagnosing FHP

Typically, visual inspection is sufficient for diagnosing FHP. In fact, most people can observe FHP in patients without much medical training at all.

Clinicians will often test the patient’s range of motion, strength, and other areas when FHP is observed.

 

Treatments for FHP

Treating FHP is fairly straightforward. Truthfully, all that the patient has to do is loosen up the tight tissues, strengthen the weak muscles, and find a way to improve his or her posture while at work or school. 

However, this does not mean that it is easy to overcome this condition. It takes a lot of hard work to overcome FHP, and often patients will have to be diligent with their treatment plan. 

Besides exercise and posture retraining, chiropractic care can also serve as an excellent treatment option for FHP.

 

Chiropractic Care for Forward Head Posture

Chiropractors are experts at dealing with all things related to the spine. One of the main treatments performed by chiropractors is the spinal manipulation.

This treatment realigns the spine and almost instantaneously improves range of motion in patients. For this reason, chiropractic care works very well for patients with FHP.

Best of all, chiropractic care serves to provide significant relief for patients dealing with FHP and other conditions that cause neck pain.

Are you noticing that your posture has gotten worse recently? Have you been spending tons of time bent over at your desk or while using your phone? If so, you might be suffering from forward head posture. Come on down to see your Lithia, FL chiropractors at At Last Chiropractic. Book your appointment today!