UPPER CROSSED SYNDROME

The head forward in relation to the neck, with rounded shoulders, is a very common postural problem. If you look around you will see how many people are suffering from it. They may not be experiencing any pain yet, but if left untreated or corrected it will only be a matter of time. It creates a muscular imbalance and a condition known as upper crossed syndrome(UCS). 

In short,  The muscles in the front of the chest become shortened and tight, resulting in the opposing muscles to become weak and underused.

In more detail, the pectoralis, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, anterior scalenes and sub-occiptitals are tight and facilitated (overused) and the longus capitis and colli, hyoids, serratus anterior, rhomboids, lower and middle trapezius and posterior rotator cuff muscles are weak and inhibited (not able to work).

The symptoms of UCS can include shoulder pain and impingement issues, upper back pain, neck pain, dowagers hump and headaches and even jaw and earache.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?

Most cases of UCS are caused when an individual continually adopts a poor posture.  Particularly when standing or sitting for long periods of time with the head pushed forward in relation to the neck.  This position is often adopted on a day to day basis while an individual is:

-      Looking down at their phone/tablet or laptop

-      Driving

-      Reading

-      Watching TV

-      Cycling

HOW TO HELP CORRECT THE PROBLEM

To help improve this kind of posture it takes a multi-modality approach. This would include Chiropractic adjustments, postural advice and specific exercises; soft tissue work such as massage, trigger point therapy and other fascial release techniques, for example, Graston and Active release technique (ART).  

As far as exercise, the main goals are to strengthen the weak muscles and lengthen the tight muscles; To activate muscles that are not functioning correctly, whilst maintaining correct posture; shoulder blades back and down; chin slightly tucked in.  

Chiropractic adjustments are the most important in order to correct any dysfunctional joints. These would include spinal joints, rib joints, glenohumeral joints, sternoclavicular joints and acromioclavicular joints, all of which play an important role in the normal function of shoulder movement. UCS creates dysfunction in the upper neck, lower neck spreading into the upper back, also involving the shoulder complex and the joints mentioned above.

More specifically UCS causes the occiput (the base of the skull), C1 and C2 facet joints (upper neck) to become hyper flexed, causing the head to push forward in relation to the neck. As a result of this the lower neck, through to the mid back area becomes stressed. 

The shoulder blades abduct and rotate giving the appearance of rounded shoulders. This causes overactivity of muscles such as the levator scapulae, upper trapezius and supraspinatus to help stabilise the humerus (long bone in the upper arm).  

If the dysfunctional joints are not corrected you will have very little improvement in function and symptoms, and so not reap as much benefit from the other modalities of care mentioned above. This is because the spine and shoulders are the frameworks for the involved muscles. More importantly, the spine is the house for the nervous system. Correcting dysfunctional spinal joints, allows your nervous system to function optimally, enabling better nerve supply to the involved muscles, as well as improving the rate at which you heal. A chiropractic adjustment helps relax and stretch the shortened muscles.  

SO WHY CORRECT THIS KIND OF POSTURAL PROBLEM IN THE FIRST PLACE?

It’s important to prevent symptoms and subsequently, pain occurring. The effects of this condition include poor athletic performance, reduced normal movement of the neck, mid-back and shoulders, thus affecting your breathing. If left it can cause permanent postural changes due to damage to the spine. It is an entirely manageable condition if the individual follows the suggested treatment plan. 

So you see posture really is important!  

If you have any questions relating to this article please do not hesitate to contact Chilton Chiropractic. We are always happy to help. Stay tuned for the article on Lower crossed syndrome.