Forward Head Posture
"For every inch of Forward Head Posture, it can increase the weight of the head on the spine by an additional 10 pounds." - Kapandji, Physiology of Joints, Vol. 3
Forward Head Posture can result in:
- Spine out of alignment
- Decreased lung capacity
- Sluggish bowels
Try these 2 yoga-based stretches to help alleviate pain due to forward head posture:
1. Shoulder Rolls
Our shoulders tend to get tense from holding our arms up and breathing into our chests more than our belly. Give them some attention and roll them a lot during the day.
- Roll your shoulders backward several times, and then roll them in a forward motion.
- Exaggerate the movement so you notice that the upper back moves as well.
- Repeat several times frequently during the day.
2. Shoulder Stretch
To counter the effects of a forward head and rounded-shoulder posture, move your shoulders back behind you in a stretch.
- Grab hands and interlace your fingers behind your back and gently squeeze your palms together.
- Resist arching your back or fully straightening your elbows.
- Hold the position for 5 breaths.