upper cross syndrome ucs - Myofitness

Upper cross syndrome

(Last Updated On: April 13, 2023)

Upper cross syndrome

What is Upper  Cross Syndrome?

Upper Cross Syndrome (also known as proximal or shoulder girdle crossed syndrome), basically refers to rounded shoulders and forward head carriage caused by muscle imbalances in the upper region of the body.  

Muscle imbalance is a condition in which some muscles become strained and weak and others become short, tight and stiff. Muscle imbalance can happen anywhere in the body and such an imbalance can drastically change the function of tissues in the body, which may cause pain and abnormal movement patterns. 

Reasons

UCS happens when the muscles in the neck, shoulders, and chest become deformed, often as a result of continual poor posture especially standing or sitting for long periods of time with the head pushed forward.

The deformed muscles associated with UCS are caused by tightness of the upper trapezius, levator scapula, pectoralis major and minor, and deep cervical flexors (neck muscles). 

Symptoms

In turn, these deformations put stress on the surrounding muscles, tendons, bones and joints, causing people to experience:

  • Neck pain
  • Headache
  • Strain in the back of the neck
  • Pain in the upper back and shoulders
  • Tightness and pain in the chest
  • Fatigue
  • Lower back pain
  • Trouble with sitting and trouble driving for long periods
  • Restricted movement in the neck and shoulders
  • Pain and reduced movement in the ribs

Treatment 

Myotherapists can effectively treat upper cross syndrome. The treatment options for UCS involves a combination of hands-on therapy to address the muscle imbalances and corrective exercises to retrain the body to maintain a correct posture

Come and see us at the clinic for an individualised treatment plan to find a long-lasting solution to relieve you from your headaches.

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