AUG
30
Neck Pain: Forward Head Posture XI : Neck Range of Movement
Forward head posture is one of the common reasons for neck pain. It usually becomes a habit from the teenage, going into the college day and then in today’s desk work culture. FHP acts like a repetitive stress on the muscles of the neck causing them pain and in the long run contributing to the degenerative changes in the cervical spine (spondylosis).

We have seen in the previous blogs, how the neck pain in the indexed patient with FHP was addressed with the help of proper posture advice, appropriate ergonomic changes at her work, while driving and while using common hand held devices. We have also seen the specific stretches advised to correct the forward head attitude and the general stretches to undertake to correct the associated deformities.

In the last two blogs in these series, we will look at the neck stretches that are advised. The stretches are the range of movement (ROM) stretches to maintain the available range of motion at the cervical spine and the specific muscular stretches to increase the range of movement at the cervical spine. Usually with prolonged and persistent deformity, the available range of motion at the neck is reduced compared to the possible range at the cervical spine. This happens due to the stiffness and contracture within the muscles responsible for the flexibility in the spine.

Normal Cervical Range of Movement:

Having normal range of motion in your neck is important for carrying out the activities of daily living. Neck movements include flexion, extension, bending and rotation. Motion of the neck is measured from the neutral position, which is looking straight ahead.

Flexion

Flexion is the motion that allows you to bend your head toward your chest. In normal flexion, you can touch your chin to your chest. Beginning in a neutral position, an acceptable range of motion for flexion is 40 to 60 degrees.

Extension

Extension is tilting your head back. A normal range of motion will allow you to look at the ceiling. An acceptable measurement of range of motion from the neutral position is 45 to 70 degrees.


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Note added at 5 hrs (2017-03-02 02:23:01 GMT)
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http://repetitive-stress-injury.blogspot.com/2012/08/neck-pa...