Good posture for forward neck syndrome
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By Kim Sang-hyuk
As technology and science continue to develop, bringing us things like smartphones and personal computers, people’s lives have become more convenient. However, as a result, our bodies are changing. Forward neck posture syndrome, which occurs when your head tips forward and remains fixed, is an example.
In Korea, such forward neck posture is often referred to as a “turtle neck syndrome,” although this is not an official medical term. The turtle neck syndrome describes how the head of turtle is tipped forward from the body.
The center of gravity of the head should be perpendicular to cervical spine vertebrae one and two and the lumbar spine. However, forward neck posture occurs when the center of gravity tips forward and becomes abnormally fixed on that position. This syndrome itself is not regarded as a problem if it is not associated pain. In case of pain, or if radiology tests show that a certain segment of the spine is severely bent, then a close examination and treatment should follow.
What are the associated pains of forward neck posture syndrome?
The most common symptom is muscular pain and frequent tiredness in the affected area. Forward neck posture results in frequent fatigue of the shoulders and neck, or pain in the back and shoulders. When such pain arises and remains untreated for a long time, it may result in headaches, blurred eye sight or dry eyes. Furthermore, this syndrome may result in decreased concentration and memory, and could be misinterpreted in the elderly as dementia.
As previously noted, forward neck posture syndrome is not a disease, but a posture. Thus, correcting the posture treats the syndrome. This syndrome is seen most frequently among people whose lifestyles include driving or using the computer for long periods of time. Recently, there has been an increase in patients with this syndrome because of excessive use of computers and smartphones.
What are the ways to correct forward neck posture syndrome?
First, the position of your computer monitor affects neck posture, so it is important to place the monitor in the correct position. The computer is best placed at eye level, and it should not be placed lower than 15 degrees from eye level.
Second, you should refrain from using smartphones for long periods of time. Although smartphones can be brought to the ear, using these devises causes slouching. Even if you try to maintain a straight position, your arm comes down naturally and causes a slouching position. Using a smartphone less is the best way to address this issue.
Frequent stretching also helps maintain your neck health. Sitting down for long causes you to move your neck forward unconsciously. Every hour, you should at least stretch your arms, and hold your arms up and stretch your neck for 30 seconds.
However, most forward neck posture with pain is related to disk disease or other cervical diseases. An accurate diagnosis through detailed examination should be followed to treat the associated disease appropriately.
When severe pain occurs, muscular injection can be prescribed. In case of disk or other spinal diseases, anti-inflammatory drug may be prescribed. A surgical method is rarely performed, but if the cervical spine is severely bent forward, an osteotomy can be performed.
Additionally, muscular massage may help alleviate pain if the syndrome only carries pain. However, massage that bends the neck greatly may damage the artery connected to the brain, thus cervical massage should be always performed carefully.
The writer is director of spine center at Bumin Hospital Seoul in Gangseo District. He was named in the 2014 edition of Marquis Who’s Who.