Upper Crossed Syndrome is an upper body imbalance that affects not only posture but the shoulders, neck, and upper back.  This imbalance is mainly caused from overutilization/increased strength in the anterior muscles of the upper body – Anterior Deltoids, Chest Muscles, and Cervical Paraspinal Muscles(Back side of the neck).  Along with the Overutilization of the anterior muscles of the upper body there is the problem with the underutilization/weakness of the muscles in the upper back – Rotator Cuff Muscles, Rhomboid Muscles, Upper/Middle/Lower Trapezius Muscles, to name a few as well as weakness in the Neck Flexors(front of the neck).

This imbalance of muscles causes the body to roll forward – shoulders begin to round forward, neck begins to draw forward and sometimes downward, and upper back begins to round like a turtle shell.

This can cause people pain in the neck, mid back, shoulders, as well as put pressure into the low back from the draw forward.  It can also cause people to feel as if they are having shortness of breath because of the constant compression on the lungs from the rounding and compressing forward posture.

The best course of action for this issue is to seek professional help.  A professional will be able to evaluate, diagnose, and build a treatment plan specific to the individual and the issue.  A proper treatment plan for this issue should include manual therapy to help decrease muscular, tendon, and ligament irritations which will help decrease pain.  Joint mobilization/manipulation will help keep the joints moving properly and decrease tension and stiffness.  Stability and strength programming will help improve support and balance to the muscles for decreased risk of irritation.  And finally, build a self-care program for the individual on how to manage this issue on their own.