Effects of strengthening and stretching on the scapular and neck muscles in schoolchildrens forward head:A Pilot study

Posture- Position or attitude of the body, the relative arrangement of bodily components for a particular task, or a distinctive way of bearing one’s body are all considered forms of posture .Increased flexion of the upper thoracic region and lower cervical spine, as well as increased extension of the upper cervical spine are characteristics of forward head posture (FHP). Poor posture is a major health issue that increases the risk of musculoskeletal diseases as people age.(Kang et al., 2018) FHP(Forward Head Posture)- When the head and upper neck bones are extended and the lower neck bone is bent, the cervical spine is positioned anteriorly, creating forward head posture.(Kang et al., 2018)

It can occur because of anterior translation of the head, lower cervical flexion, or both, and it is claimed to be associated with an increase in upper cervical extension. It is associated with shortening of the upper trapezius, the posterior cervical extensor muscles, the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and levator scapulae muscle. It can occur because of anterior translation of the head, lower cervical flexion, or both, and it is claimed to be associated with an increase in upper cervical extension. It is associated with shortening of the upper trapezius, the posterior cervical extensor muscles, the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and levator scapula muscle.(Verma, 2018).It can occur because of anterior translation of the head, lower cervical flexion, or both, and it is claimed to be associated with an increase in upper cervical extension. It is associated with-

1.Shortening of the upper trapezius. 2.The posterior cervical extensor muscles. 3.The sternocleidomastoid muscle 4. Levator scapulae muscles (Verma, 2018)

Over time, this posture results in shorter adaptability in the suboccipital muscles, posterior ligaments, and membranes associated with the atlanto- axial and atlanto-occipital joints [8]. This causes an increase in lordosis and shortening of the occipital muscles. It further causes abnormal and continuous muscle contraction and relative compensatory action of the muscles of the occipital bone, neck, and shoulders, resulting in a change in the shape of the cervical lordosis [9]. Eventually, the forward neck posture causes muscle weakness in the deep flexors of the cervical spine, which not only reduces neck stability but also causes pain.