Prevalence of upper cross syndrome among university students and faculty members: A survey study

Upper Cross Syndrome refers to an imbalance of muscles in the upper body . An imbalance of shoulder, neck, and chest muscles—some too tight, some too weak—causes upper cross syndrome. The name of the condition comes from the way these muscles appear to be grouped in an X when viewed from the side of the upper torso. The levator scapula, upper trapezius, middle and lower trapezius, neck flexor weakness, sternocleidomastoid and suboccipital muscle tension, serratus anterior weakness, and pectoralis major and minor muscle tension are the main causes of upper cross syndrome. The postural anomalies that define Upper cross syndrome include forward head posture, increased cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis and elevated and protracted shoulder and winging of scapula. This syndrome can lead to pain discomfort and reduce functional ability.

Students enrolled in college typically adopt a range of positions throughout class and tests. Therefore, it’s important to determine if these aberrant postures are hereditary or acquired.

For everyday activities to be performed as functionally as possible, one must adopt good posture. Uncomfortable postures place continuous strain on the joints, and when joints are subjected to pressure over an extended period of time, degenerative changes in the joints advance quickly, leading to discomfort and muscular imbalance. A persistent and worsening muscular imbalance can result in changed movement patterns, joint injury, and further disability.

In fact, studies indicate that in older adults, bad posture is even linked to higher death rates. Generally speaking, muscles that are overworked in one way will get shorter and tighter; this phenomenon is called adaptive shortening. Long-term postures allow muscles that are opposed to repetitive actions to remain stretched. Stretch weakness is the outcome of these muscles’ propensity to grow longer and weaker.