HUNCHED SHOULDERS?

PROXIMAL CROSS SYNDROME – AKA Upper Cross Syndrome

As you can see from the picture to the right, this syndrome causes tightening of the upper trapezius/levator scapulae muscles and tight pectoral muscles, diagonally across each other. With this, weakening is seen in the deep neck flexors, the serratus anterior and lower trapezius – a pattern of imbalance that is not ideal!

This can cause:

  • Joint dysfunction (neck, mid back and shoulder)
  • Forward head posture
  • Increased neck curve (cervical lordosis)
  • Increased mid back curve (thoracic kyphosis)
  • Shoulder blade winging
  • Decreased shoulder stability
  • Jaw problems

It can produce many other symptoms but these are the main and noticeable ones!

 

Proximal cross syndrome is usually caused by prolonged or chronic poor posture. So it is best to be aware of your posture when standing or sitting, using your phone, laptop or reading/studying. In some cases, this syndrome can occur from injuries or congenital deformities.

Chiropractic care is a very good treatment option and is very beneficial in this syndrome, as the tightness of the muscles and poor posture can cause a number of spinal misalignments. Manipulation to the spine and joints can cause an increase in range of motion through the neck and back and can improve nerve function, allowing the muscles to stretch and relax. Exercise is also super important. It doesn’t have to be strenuous exercise at the gym, but even stretching and mobility work at some point every day can help open up the chest area and increase motion through the neck and upper back, which can be very helpful when dealing with proximal cross syndrome.

 

Look after your spine! Proximal Cross Syndrome is not something that is ideal to live with and it is a condition that can quite easily be prevented.

Contact the clinic if these symptoms seem to relate to your body. Click here to book in for an appointment and to deal with the problem naturally.

 

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ALIGN CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CLINIC