What Is Upper Crossed Syndrome?
When poor posture deforms the muscles in the neck, shoulders, and chest, it is called an Upper Crossed Syndrome. It makes these muscles overlap, overactive, or underactive. The upper trapezius and levator scapula, which are the Upper Crossed Syndrome muscles of the neck and shoulders, become overactive and strained. The major and minor pectoralis muscles, which are the muscles in the front of the chest, become tight and short. Because of this deformation, the surrounding muscles become weak and underused. This condition results in the muscles in the front of the neck and lower shoulders becoming weak.
Upper Crossed Syndrome is commonly seen in people who have desktop jobs, read, or drive, as they usually slouch while performing these activities. It commonly causes neck and back pain and stiffness. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help relieve these symptoms. It is not a serious condition, but it can lead to chronic pain, so it is important to get it treated.
What Are the Causes of Upper Crossed Syndrome?
Any of the following factors can cause UCS:
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A Sedentary Lifestyle With Poor Posture - People who spend long hours in meetings or in front of a computer, with long commutes, and frequent travel are more prone. These people slouch, that is, they sit with their head bent forward and upper back hunched.
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Poor Exercise Technique - Unbalanced training, like doing bench presses thrice a week but not doing push-ups or spending half of each workout doing crunches with the head bent forward, can overwork certain muscles in the neck and shoulders, resulting in Upper Crossed Syndrome.
Poor posture while reading, watching TV, driving, etc., can also cause this condition.
What Are the Muscles Affected in Upper Crossed Syndrome?
Because of improper posture, the following muscles become stretched or tight:
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Suboccipitals.
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Upper trapezius.
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Levator scapulae.
The pectoral muscles become short and tight. The deep cervical flexors, and the muscles on the front and sides of the neck, become weak. The name Upper Crossed Syndrome is derived from the “X” shape that forms when the overactive and underactive muscles overlap.
What Are the Symptoms of Upper Crossed Syndrome?
Upper Crossed Syndrome results in the following symptoms:
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Neck pain.
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Muscle weakness in the front of the neck.
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Muscle strain in the back of the neck
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Upper back and shoulder pain.
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Chest pain and tightness.
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Jaw pain.
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Low back pain.
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Pain while sitting and reading.
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Problems driving for long periods.
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Restricted neck and shoulder movement.
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Rib pain.
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Reduced movement in the ribs.
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Numbness and tingling sensation in the upper arms.
How Is Upper Crossed Syndrome Diagnosed?
The doctor will diagnose this condition based on certain identifying characteristics. The common characteristics include:
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Head consistently bent in a forward position.
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Increased cervical lordosis (the cervical spine is too curved).
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Increased thoracic kyphosis (the outward curvature of the spine in the upper back, shoulders, and chest is more).
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The shoulders are elevated, protracted, or rounded.
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Scapula winging (the shoulder blade sits out).
What Are the Treatment Options for Upper Cross Syndrome?
The treatment options include:
Physical Therapy - A physical therapist will first educate the person and give advice related to his condition so that he can understand the cause and work towards preventing more damage. The therapist will demonstrate exercises that the person needs to do regularly at home. They might also relieve pain and stiffness through manual therapy. Some of the exercises that are suggested include:
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Lying Exercises - Place a thick pillow under the back about a third of the way up to the back while laying flat on the ground. Keep the arms, shoulders, and legs falling out in a natural position. Pillow can be used to support the head as to avoid it stretching or straining. Maintain this position for ten to fifteen minutes. Repeat this exercise several times a day.
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Sitting Exercises - Keep the back straight, sit and place the feet flat on the floor and bend the knees. Keep the palm flat on the ground behind the hips. Now, rotate the shoulders backward and down. Maintain this position for three to five minutes and keep repeating this exercise as many times as possible.
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Standing Exercises - Stand with the feet apart, turn the right foot out 90 degrees, and rotate the left foot inwards to about 30 degrees. Try placing the arms at shoulder height in line with the legs. Then turn the head to look at the right fingers and bend the right knee as much as possible while keeping the left leg and torso straight.
Chiropractic Care - Muscle weakness and poor posture can also misalign the joints in your spine. A chiropractor can realign these joints with spinal manipulation or adjustment. Always get this done by a licensed practitioner. Chiropractic care can also increase the range of motion as it stretches and relaxes the shortened muscles.
What Are the Ways to Prevent Upper Crossed Syndrome?
Some ways to prevent Upper Crossed Syndrome are:
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Avoid activities that require bending the head forward for a long time.
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Take frequent breaks while sitting or working on computers (preferably every 15 to 20 minutes).
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Walk or swim for 30 minutes daily.
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Spend less time watching TV, reading, using computers, and driving.
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Do exercises that stretch the sore muscles of the neck, shoulders, and chest.
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Use a lumbar roll in chairs.
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While answering long phone calls, use a headset or speakers.
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Use a pillow that retains its shape.
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Avoid doing things that aggravate the pain and discomfort.
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Do strengthening exercises that target the muscles of the shoulders and neck.
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Keep the book, TV, or computer screen at eye level.
Stretching Exercises:
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Upper cervical stretch.
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Rhomboid muscles and trapezius muscle stretching is of utmost importance.
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'Yes,' and 'No' nodding movements of the head can be performed while sitting.
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Push-ups and wall presses can also be included.
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Pectoralis major and minor muscle stretching are required.
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Maintain posture with correcting in mirror and back support.
Conclusion:
The Upper Crossed Syndrome can generally be prevented. Practicing proper posture is very important in treating as well as preventing the condition. Be aware of the posture and correct it whenever adopting the wrong position. With proper treatment, the symptoms of this condition are relieved or resolved completely.
