Desk Neck / Upper Cross Syndrome

Upper Cross Syndrome is most often found in individuals who work at a desk or who sit for a majority of the day and continuously exhibit poor posture. Its characterized by rounded shoulders and a forward pointed chin. This is the result of a very common muscle imbalance between the muscles of the neck and shoulders, most particularly the pectoralis major and minor and the upper trapezius and levator scapula. These muscles become tight which when paired with a weakness in the muscles in the front of the neck and the middle of the back cause the pictured posture.

This pattern of imbalance creates joint dysfunction, particularly at the top of the neck, where the neck meets the shoulders, and in the shoulder joints themselves. Complaints of people with upper crossed syndrome are typically stiffness in the neck, headaches, tension and soreness along the slope of the shoulder, front of shoulder, and tight, sore, upper back. Upper crossed may also result in neurological problems (from tingling or pins and needles to shooting pain and numbness) extending into the arms, hands, and fingers.

Due to the nature of this imbalance it is often necessary to retrain several muscles in the back, neck, and shoulders. This can be done with a number of simple home-based exercises which your Osteopath will be able to guide you through. These but are not limited to include:

• Levator Scapulae Stretch

• Upper Trapezius Stretch

• Pectoralis Stretches

• Chin-tucks

• Scapular Retractions

• Middle and Lower Trapezius Strengthening
  

Upper Crossed Syndrome is a condition of habit and unless your desk posture is corrected the condition will continue.

For help or advise with this condition or any number of other conditions, including Bursitis, Headaches, Backpain book an appointment to see your local Osteopath.