Forward head posture (FHP) is a condition that affects many individuals, especially those who work at a desk, spend a lot of time on electronic devices, or have poor posture habits. This condition can cause a lot of discomforts and negatively impact your overall health, including your breathing. In this blog post, we will explore what FHP is, its effects on breathing, and how myofunctional therapy can help correct this condition.
Causes
Forward head posture is often caused by poor posture habits, such as sitting or standing in a slouched position, looking down at a phone or computer screen, or carrying heavy bags on one shoulder. These habits can weaken and strain the muscles in the neck and upper back, resulting in FHP. Other causes of FHP include aging, spinal injuries, and certain medical conditions like arthritis and scoliosis.
Diagnosis
Forward head posture can easily be diagnosed by examining your posture in the mirror. Stand with your back against the wall and align your heels, buttocks, and shoulder blades against it. If your head is protruding forward from the wall, it means you have FHP. You can also take a side profile picture of yourself or consult with a healthcare professional who can assess your posture and diagnose FHP.
Side Effects
Forward head posture can have several side effects, including neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, headaches, and fatigue. In addition, it can negatively affect your breathing by compressing your airway, leading to shallow breathing or mouth breathing. When you breathe through your mouth, your body is not getting enough oxygen, which can cause sleep apnea, snoring, and other breathing disorders.
Myofunctional Therapy to Help Forward Head Posture
Myofunctional therapy is a type of exercise that can help correct forward head posture by targeting the muscles used in breathing, speaking, and swallowing. This therapy involves a series of exercises that help to strengthen the muscles in the neck, throat, and mouth, leading to improved posture and breathing. By improving the strength and function of these muscles, you can reduce the symptoms associated with FHP and improve your overall health.
Forward Head Posture and Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing is a common problem associated with FHP, and it can have a negative impact on your health. When you breathe through your mouth, you are not getting enough oxygen into your body, which can lead to fatigue, sleep apnea, snoring, and other breathing disorders. Mouth breathing is also known to lead to dry mouth, bad breath, and dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
Myofunctional therapy can help correct both FHP and mouth breathing. By strengthening the muscles in the neck and mouth, you can improve your breathing and reduce the risk of associated health problems.
Forward Head Posture Treatments
In addition to myofunctional therapy, there are other treatments available for FHP. Chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and massage therapy can all help to correct FHP by improving posture, reducing muscle tension, and promoting relaxation. Check out our local list of preferred providers as it is important to work with a healthcare professional who can recommend the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
If you are experiencing symptoms related to FHP, such as neck pain, back pain, or breathing difficulties, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional. At Bloom Sleep and Airway Center, we specialize in treating conditions related to breathing, including FHP. We offer virtual appointments for those who are not located in the Lakewood, CO area, so you can receive care from anywhere in the world.
During your consultation, our healthcare professionals will assess your condition and recommend the best course of treatment for your specific needs. We will create a personalized treatment plan that may include myofunctional therapy, chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, or other treatments.
In addition to treatment, we can also provide you with helpful tips and exercises to practice at home to improve your posture and breathing. We are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness, so you can live your life to the fullest.
Schedule a consultation with Bloom Sleep and Airway Center today to start your journey towards better health and breathing.
Want to learn more about sleep and airway health? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders.