12 Sep 2018
Loss of cervical curve and forward displacement of the head over the shoulders and chest, known as forward head syndrome, puts disease-causing tension on the spinal cord and brain stem. In his book Rejuvenation Strategy, Dr. Rene Cailliet, Director of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at USC wrote this description of forward head syndrome, hump-back syndrome and loss of curve:
- The head in a forward posture can add up to 30 pounds of abnormal leverage on the cervical spine.
- Forward head posture results in loss of vital lung capacity. Lung capacity is depleted as much as 30 percent. Loss of lung capacity leads to heart and blood vascular problems.
- The entire gastrointestinal system is affected, particularly the large intestine. Loss of good peristaltic function and evacuation is common to forward head posture and loss of spinal curve.
- Forward head posture causes an increase in discomfort and pain. Freedom of motion in the first four cervical vertebrae is a major source of stimuli that caused production of endorphins. As a result of this loss of endorphins, man other non-painful sensations are experienced as pain.
- Forward head posture causes loss of healthy spine-body motion.
- Humpback syndrome or hyperkyphotic syndrome was found in an October 2004 study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society to significantly increase the likelihood of death. (See number 2)