What Is Forward Head Posture?
Forward Head Posture is a postural alignment pattern in which the head rests ahead of the shoulders when viewed from the side. The position changes the relationship between the cervical spine, upper back, and supporting muscles. Long periods of screen use, desk work, or habitual positioning may contribute to this pattern.
Quick Facts About Forward Head Posture
Category
Postural alignment pattern
Used for
Posture assessment and correction planning
Common confusion
Kyphosis or general neck pain
Also called
Tech Neck, Forward Head Position
Often discussed with
Posture Correction
Key Takeaways About Forward Head Posture
- The head sits ahead of the shoulder line from a side view.
- A posture check considers the neck, shoulders, and upper back together.
- Forward Head Posture is not the same as upper-back rounding.
How Forward Head Posture Works
Forward Head Posture describes the position of the head in relation to the shoulders and upper body. A clinician may view the person from the side and observe whether the ear, shoulder, neck, and upper back maintain a balanced relationship. The review also considers movement, muscle tension, and habits that may influence the position.
Related glossary terms: Cervical Spine, Thoracic Spine, Kyphosis.
The neck and upper back work as a connected region, so a change in one area can affect movement in another. A posture assessment may include standing observation, active range of motion, and a discussion of desk, phone, sleep, or work positions. Cervical Spine alignment describes the neck region, while Thoracic Spine alignment describes the upper-back region. These terms help separate head position from broader spinal patterns.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Savannah team
When we assess Forward Head Posture, we observe the head, neck, shoulders, and upper back during relaxed standing and simple movement. Our team connects those findings with daily positions, such as desk work or phone use, so Posture Correction addresses the person’s movement pattern rather than one isolated view.
Forward Head Posture in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person who spends much of the day looking at a laptop may stand with the head projected ahead of the shoulders. During Posture Correction, the clinician may examine that standing position and how the neck and upper back move during simple activities.
Related Services
Related Terms
Cervical Spine
Cervical Spine is the upper section of the spinal column located in the neck. It supports…
Thoracic Spine
Thoracic Spine is the middle section of the spinal column between the neck and lower back…
Kyphosis
Kyphosis is an increased outward curve of the spine, most often seen in the upper back…
Range Of Motion
Range of motion is the available movement at a joint or body region. The term describes…
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