Forward Head Posture (FHP) is the term we use when the head is in front of the chest and shoulders. Just look around at the store, your friends and family, or even in the mirror. When you least expect it, there is a head floating in front of someone’s body.

FHP is progressive. It is considered an acquired spinal deformity and is often caused by activities like driving, sitting, slouching, and cell phone use. Repetitive forward motion of the head creates a rounding of the upper spine (hyperkyphosis of the cervicothoracic spine). Unfortunately, the rounded spine posture becomes more permanent over time.

The corrective care plan Quartell Chiropractic provides the foundation for restoring cervical and upper thoracic (neck and upper back) posture. We use specific corrective measures that transform the upper back and neck into better posture.

The exercises on this page are part of a prescribed and individualized exercise program developed for patients at Quartell Chiropractic. If you have not been prescribed an exercise from this resource page, please consult with one of our physicians prior to attempting any exercise.

1. Tissue Irritation

FHP causes increased compression on the joints of the spine, especially at the disc and facet joints. It also creates pulling tensile forces to the ligaments, tendons, muscles and fascia.

2. Spinal Degeneration

Increased forces in the spine secondary to FHP create damage. Over time this leads to disc degeneration, spinal arthritis, and hump in the upper back. This hump seen at the base of the neck is called a hyperkyphosis, but is also known as a Dowagers Hump or Buffalo Hump.

3. Compensation Misalignments

FHP often leads to body changes that includes a forward tilted pelvis and backward shifting of center of gravity. This increases pressure in the lower back, hips, knees and feet.

4. Pain

FHP is often a primary cause of painful musculoskeletal conditions such as headache, neck pain, TMJ pain, muscle spasm, numbness and tingling, etc.