What is Forward Head Posture?.How it can be prevented.

Forward head posture has become a commonly problem now a days.When a patient maintains good posture, their head aligns vertically with the spine, Forward head posture (FHP) occurs when a patient is leaning their head forward, out of neutral alignment with spine. When the alignment of the head is off, it can ca se a variety of problems including stiffness in the neck, pain and balance issues.

A patient with FHP also typically tilts their head back in order to look forward. This posture puts a strain on the muscles and bones of the neck. It can also lead to muscles imbalances, as some muscles support more load than others.

Causes of stooped posture.

People may associate FHP with using electronic devices for a long time, like cell phones or computers, any activity that causes a patient to lean their head forward for a prolonged period of time can lead to chronic FHP.

• Slouching forward period puts extra stress on upper back muscles.

• Sleeping with the head raised also contributes to bad posture.It results in tightening of forward neck muscles.

• Carrying a heavy backpack or purse for Example laptop on one shoulder.

• Driving with a hunched back with arms on steering wheel.

• Sewing with forward neck bending

• Reading in bed with taking 2-3 cushion over your upper back area.

• Weakness in the muscles of the upper limb area.due to which person cannot sit straight in one position.

• Arthritis and bone degeneration

Prevention from forward head posture.

• The patient attendant can adjust the chair to support the patient’s lower back.

• Making sure that the knees are slightly lower than the hips.

• Positioning the screen at eye level.

• Medical caregiver can  make patient to do gentle exercises.