What is Forward Head Posture?

In the picture shown right, the first sketch (shown top-left) represents "perfect" head posture. A line dropped from the center of the external auditory meatus (EAM) would land directly in the center of the shoulder.

For every inch your head moves "forwards", the head "gains" 10 pounds in weight, as far as the muscles in your upper back and neck are concerned, as they have to work harder to keep the head (chin) from dropping forwards onto your chest. This forces the muscles that raise the chin to remain in constant contraction, putting pressure on the 3 Suboccipital nerves. This can cause headaches at the base of the skull, and even mimic sinus headaches!

Persistent forward head posture puts compressive loads on the upper thoracic vertebra, and is associated with the development of Upper Thoracic Hump, which can evolve into Dowager Hump when the vertebra develop compression fractures (anterior wedging).   A recent study found this hyperkyphotic posture was associated with a 1.44 greater rate of mortality.