Forward Head Posture
We’ve been seeing more and more patients with forward head posture – what we often call “anterior carriage.”
This happens when the head shifts forward compared to the shoulders. Even just one inch forward adds about 10 extra pounds of load on your neck and upper back muscles. Imagine holding a bowling ball out in front of you all day – that’s what your neck is doing!
When the head stays forward for hours (computer, phone, driving), several things happen:
- Neck muscles like the upper traps, levator scapulae, and suboccipitals tighten up to hold the head up
- The mid-back muscles get tired from being overstretched
- Over time, this imbalance can cause tension headaches, shoulder pain, and even tingling or numbness in the arms
You might notice:
- Stiffness at the base of the skull
- Shoulder and neck tension that won’t go away
- Pain when turning your head
- Fatigue, difficulty focusing, or feeling “heavy” in the head
The good news is there’s a lot we can do to help.
At our clinic, we focus on:
- Acupuncture – relaxes tight muscles, improves blood flow, calms the nervous system
- Cupping therapy – helps release muscle tension and improve circulation
Here are a few simple tips you can try at home or work:
- Take micro-breaks every 30–40 minutes if you work at a desk
- Do gentle chin tucks (like making a double chin) to activate deep neck muscles
- Add chest stretches to open up the front of the body and reduce rounded shoulders
- Check your screen height – your monitor should be at eye level so you’re not looking down all day
Posture problems are much easier to fix early. If you’ve been feeling stiff, achy, or notice your head creeping forward in pictures, this is a great time to start working on it.
See you at your next visit, and let us know if you’d like us to check your posture during treatment – we’re happy to guide you.
-Dr. Bae
Midtown Location
📆 Now accepting new patients!
📍2809 T St. Sacramento, CA 95816
📲 Call us today to schedule: 916 455-5886
🔗 Visit our website: www.tianchaoherbs.com
New Fair Oaks Location
📆 Now accepting new patients!
📍4125 Temescal Street Ste B Fair Oaks, CA 95628
📲 Call us today to schedule: 916 866-2877
🔗 Visit our website: www.tianchaoherbs.com