Dr. Braddock Explains What Everyone Should Know About F.H.P
It is important that the position of the cervical spine allows your head to sit back atop your shoulders. Unfortunately, the effects of gravity, poor posture, the weight of the head, or past trauma can cause neck and skull misplacement, leading to a condition called Forward-head syndrome. The head forward posture along with the loss of the normal cervical curve will lead to pathological (disease-causing) tension on the spinal cord and brainstem.
In the book Rejuvenation Strategy, Dr. Rene Cailliet, director of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Southern California, wrote this description of the deadly forward-head syndrome as well as humpback syndrome:
1. Incorrect head position leads to improper spinal function. It is a major form of subluxation or misalignment of the spine.
2. The head in forward posture can add up to 30 pounds of abnormal leverage on cervical spine.
3. Forward head posture results in loss of vital capacity. Lung Capacity is reduced as much as 30 percent. Loss of lung capacity leads to heart and blood vascular problems. (Bring your chin to your chest and try to take a deep breathe…you can not do it efficiently)
4. The entire gastrointestinal system is affected, particularly the large intestine. Loss of good bowel peristaltic function and evacuation is common to forward head posture and loss of spinal curve.
5. Forward head posture causes an increase in discomfort and pain. Freedom of motion in the first four cervical vertebrae is a major source of stimuli that causes production of endorphins. As a result of this loss of endorphins (hormones that reduce pain and affect emotions), many otherwise non-painful sensations are experienced as pain.
6. Forward head posture cause loss of healthy spine-body motion. The entire body becomes rigid as the range of motion becomes diminished; the person’s body becomes hunched.
7. Associated with humpback syndrome or “hyperkyphotic posture” was found in Oct. 2004 study published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society to significantly increase the likelihood of DEATH. Studies at Cornell and John Hopkins found kyphosis to both increase the chance of uterine prolapse and decrease physical function and mobility respectively.
8. Loss of cervical curve and head forward posture will lead to decrease functioning of the thyroid gland. Cervical nerve roots C3-C7 supply the thyroid gland and allows it to function optimal. Loss of cervical curve and head forward posture will lead to decreased metabolism, fatigue, and reduction of thyroid activity.
