Is Your Head on Straight?

forward leaning head

How many times when you were growing up did you hear a parent or respected adult tell you to, “Get your head on straight!” This usually followed some serious lapse in judgment that surprised everyone – including yourself – when you realized the error of your ways!

But it really is possible that your head’s not on straight and that can cause all types of problems – physical ones - that may have nothing to do with your judgment!

Your posture may provide one reason for your head not being on straight. Upon examination of many of our patients, we discover a condition known as “Forward Head Posture.” This condition results from the loss of the normal curve in the upper cervical spine, usually as a result of poor posture or some type of uncorrected trauma. Many jobs today require long hours sitting in front of a computer or driving in a car, both of which may contribute to this condition.

Forward head posture usually produces some type of pain or discomfort, which may include headaches, sleep apnea, and pain in the neck, shoulders, back and arms.

Chiropractic care can be effective in reversing forward head posture, returning the cervical spine to its normal C-curve, reducing pain and preventing further degeneration in the spine. Sleeping on a pillow that supports your cervical spine can be helpful. (Ask for more details on your next visit.)

Do you work on a computer for long periods? Or drive for many hours a day? Make sure that you take frequent breaks and that you focus on your posture, making sure you are sitting up straight with your head in an upright position. When your head is on straight, you should feel no pulling in your neck muscles.

If you have any concerns about forward head posture or are experiencing the type of pain described here, please be sure to mention it to us when you come in for your next visit. We want to help you get your head on straight!

Dr. Paul  Asks some important questions of interest to Spring Hill residents - Chiropractor Spring Hill Dr. Paul Asks...

What's the difference between sick care and health care?
Sick care is largely about relieving or suppressing symptoms. Health care is about improving performance. While sick care is about how you feel, health care is about how you function. Sick care is what you do to treat an obvious problem, and health care is what you do to avoid the problem and advance your well-being.
How could chiropractic help a stomach problem?
Chiropractic works by locating and reducing areas of the spine compromising nerve communications between your brain and your body. If nerves to or from your stomach are irritated, your stomach won't work right. Chiropractors find the source of the interference, reduce it and allow your body to work as designed.