Upper Cross Syndrome
Maintaining bad posture for prolong period of time may result in postural dysfunction and malalignment. One of the most common consequences of poor posture is Upper Cross Syndrome. This condition can be visualized as letter X in the upper quadrant of your body. It usually occurs due to tightness of Pectoralis Major, Upper Trapezius and Levator Scapulae and weakness of Serratus Anterior and Deep Neck Flexors.
Prevalence rate is higher in IT professionals followed by laundry workers.[1]
You might experience continuous neck and shoulder pain which results from muscular imbalance. Additionally, individual may present with Hunch Back (increased thoracic Kyphosis), forward head posture, round shoulder, scapular winging and decreased mobility of thoracic spine as well as shoulder joint.
How Physical Therapy can Help You
Physical Therapy is vital in improving this postural abnormality which if not treated appropriately can lead to diverse complications. We run detailed initial assessment which includes evaluation of strength of muscles like Levator Scapulae, Upper Trapezius, Deep Neck Flexors and Pectoralis Major muscle. Basic movements of your neck and shoulder joints will be tested and we may also focus on detailed examination of your breathing pattern as altered breathing pattern leads to activation of improper muscle group creating the upper cross syndrome. Then we follow scientific evidence based practice to treat your Upper cross syndrome effectively:
Pain produced due to spasm of overactive muscles can be relieved effectively by use of Hot Packs which removes waste products at faster rate and provides increased flow of oxygen. Interferential Current (IFC) also helps in reducing pain and muscle spasm. During initial phase, it is important to re-activate Serratus Anterior, Deep Neck Flexors and Rhomboids by performing Isometric Exercises of these muscle.[2] During later stages, strengthening exercises of the same is necessary to prevent recurrence of this condition. Kinesio Tape helps in correcting forward shoulder posture and prevents overactivation of tight muscle.[3] In addition to this, muscular imbalance can be corrected by selective stretching of Upper Trapezius, Pectoralis Major and Levator Scapulae muscle. Muscle Energy Technique also helps in correcting muscular imbalance.[4] Moreover, altered breathing technique leads to overactivation of upper trapezius, Scalene and Sternocleidomastoid muscle and hence Diaphragmatic Breathing exercise is important in maintaining correct breathing pattern.
Upper Cross Syndrome is very common issue that can significantly impact your quality of life. Reach out to an expert physical therapist to develop customized treatment protocol tailored for you. Embrace the journey towards a pain free and more aligned body and you will see positive results over time.
References:
1. Chaudhuri, S., Chawla, J. K., & Phadke, V. (2023). Physiotherapeutic Interventions for Upper Cross Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus, 15(9).
2. Rana, A. A., Ahmad, A., Gillani, S. A., Idrees, M. Q., & Awan, I. (2020). Effects of conventional physical therapy with and without muscle energy techniques for treatment of Upper Cross Syndrome. Rawal Medical Journal, 45(1), 127-32.
3. Mol, N., Ashok, A., & KU, D. K. (2021). Upper crossed syndrome: trends and recent advances in the physiotherapy treatment a narrative review. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International, 33(64B), 359-367.
4. Gillani, S., Rehman, S., & Masood, T. (2020). Effects of eccentric muscle energy technique versus static stretching exercises in the management of cervical dysfunction in upper cross syndrome: a randomized control trial. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 70(3), 1.
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