UPPER CROSSED SYNDROME is one of the most common musculoskeletal imbalances of the upper body that many of us will experience at some point in our lives.
1️⃣ What is UCS?
- UCS is caused by the overlapping of overactive and underactive muscles throughout the neck, chest and shoulders creating an ‘x’ shape.
- The chest muscles (pectorals), upper trapezius, levator scapulae, suboccipitals and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) are overly tight.
- The deep flexor muscles in the front of the neck and the rhomboids, lower trapezius and serratus anterior muscles are weak or inhibited.
2️⃣ How do you get UCS?
- Most cases of UCS arise as a result of continual poor posture —Specifically, standing or sitting for long periods with the head pushed forward.
-People often adopt this position when they are:
•reading 📚
•watching TV 📺
•biking 🚲
•driving 🚗
•using a laptop 💻 , computer 👩🏼💻 , or phone 📞
3️⃣ Symptoms of UCS:
- neck pain
- headache
- weakness in the front of the neck
- strain in the back of the neck
- pain in the upper back and shoulders
- tightness and pain in the chest
- jaw pain
- lower back pain
- trouble driving for long periods
restricted movement in the neck and shoulders
- pain and reduced movement in the ribs
- pain, numbness, and tingling in the upper arms
4️⃣ So how can you treat UCS?
- UCS is usually a preventable condition. Practicing proper posture and regularly adjusting poor posture throughout the day is of vital importance in order to prevent and treat this condition. ✅
- Massage Treatments 💆🏼♀️💆🏻♂️ - Therapists, like myself, will first offer a consultation to allow you to describe your symptoms and how they can help you. During a treatment, focus will be on soft tissue work to release the tight, short and overactive muscles. Specific techniques will also be used to stimulate the long, weak and under-active muscles encouraging them to activate and strengthen.
After your treatment, exercises/stretches and aftercare advice will be given to help manage and further treat the condition.
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