Chiropractic Care for Upper Cross Syndrome

Our posture is heavily related to how our muscles are engaged - and when they’re engaged. Over an extended period of time, this muscular balance (or imbalance) can lead to headaches, tightness, and even pain. When this threshold is met it is called Upper Cross Syndrome.

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Upper Crossed Syndrome is a condition characterized by a particular combination of muscular imbalances. Specifically we have a group of muscles that are ‘weak’ or 'inhibited’ - the deep neck flexors on the anterior side of your neck as well as the lower trapezius muscles and lower shoulder blade stabilizers like the serratus anterior. Opposite of that we see over-active or ‘tight’ muscles like the suboccipital muscles on the base of your skull, the upper trapezius muscles, the levator scapulae, and the pectoralis muscles of your chest.

Chiropractic Treatments for Upper Cross Syndrome:

  • Manual Muscle Therapy such as Graston, RockBlades IASTM, or Active Release Technique (ART) for treating the tight muscle groups

  • Kinesiology Tape to facilitate new movement patterns and muscle engagement

  • Chiropractic Adjustments or Manipulation if warranted

  • Corrective Exercise Rehabilitation to strengthen new habits of postural engagement