What is Upper Cross Syndrome?

Upper Cross Syndrome is the most common postural distortion pattern that we see in our clinic. Upper Cross Syndrome is recognized as improper posture where we hunch forward in the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical regions, round our shoulders forward, and hold our head forward. This causes primarily hypertonic (tight) pecs, upper traps, and sub occipital muscles as well as secondarily hypertonic teres majors, and subscapulari. It also causes primarily inhibited (stretched) rhomboids, lower traps, and deep neck flexor muscles as well as secondarily inhibited infraspinati and teres minors. Upper Cross Syndrome can lead to the following conditions:
•Disc Degeneration
•Disc Compression
•Restricted Breathing
•Thoracic Hyperkyphosis
•Depression
•Increased Stress
•Diminished Energy
•Decreased Libido
•Tension Headaches
•Digestive Symptoms
•Constipation
•Acid Reflux and Hernias
•Obstructive Sleep Apnea
•Cardiovascular Irregularities

The good news is that there are great chiropractic treatments for Upper Cross Syndrome as well as effective home care remedies such as stretching, exercising, self muscle release, and practicing proper posture. Keep an eye out for future videos explaining these home care approaches.