As we go about our days, we might be unaware of habits or activities causing us pain or health issues. In fact, many of us go through our days on autopilot. Down the road, we might “suddenly” experience pain for no real rhyme or reason. But here’s the thing: There usually is a reason!
Tiny things throughout our lives can actually push our heads forward and lead to pain or other problems. Yet, they slowly accumulate—so much so that we may not even notice them at first. So, what actions should you be aware of? What everyday movements or habits can lead to forward head posture without you even noticing?
1. Tying your hair back and sitting in your car
This also goes for claw clips! Having your hair secured on the back of your head using a tie or clips, then sitting in your car, can cause your head to protrude forward and past your shoulders. While this might seem harmless, doing this time and time again may lead to an unsightly posture and pain.
2. Wearing your phone around your neck
If you’ve gone somewhere tropical lately, you’ll probably have seen many people with their phones attached to a waterproof case around their necks. While this is wonderful for taking pictures and keeping our phones dry and secure, it doesn’t exactly work wonders for your neck or posture.
Keeping your phone around your neck can pull on the vertebrae, causing them to come out of place and, eventually, causing pain and other issues down the line.
3. Wearing heavy necklaces
The 1990s and early 2000s fashion is back. During the early 2000s, we loved our statement neckpieces. While these heavy and big necklaces might be having a low-key comeback, they aren’t doing your body any favours. In fact, most likely, wearing these for hours on end will end up pulling on your neck and throwing your spine out of alignment. When it comes to fashion, maybe simplicity is truly best!
4. Wearing big hoodies or hooded jackets
A big hoody is ultra-comfy during the shoulder seasons, colder months, and colder nights. Yet, when you sit down wearing them, their undeniable bulkiness pushes your spine forward.
However, this doesn’t mean you have to forego your big hoodies or hooded jackets altogether. Instead, take them off when you sit down. The same goes for big scarves or airport pillows. A quick fix might be to spin the pillow, hoodie, or scarf around so the bulky side is in front of you. Alternatively, you could also use the pillow to lean against the window.
Lastly, halter neck tops do similar by pulling your neck forward. Try to avoid these for optimal spinal health and wellness. Opt for tank tops or other tops instead or simply avoid pulling these tops too tightly around the neck.
5. Putting your kids on your shoulders
Propping our kids up on our shoulders might seem easier in crowds or when fatigue gets the best of them. However, it could be detrimental to your own health and spine. The weight of your child presses against your head and pushes your head forward, which could contribute to forward head posture.
6. Looking down at your phone or tablet
We all do this, and we all should be more aware of it. Instead, use stands for your phone, tablet, or laptop. For your phone, holding it up to your eye level is also a good idea. For laptops, consider buying a stand and setting yourself up properly at a desk as opposed to using it in your lap.
7. Hairdresser’s sink
The hairdresser’s sink is never good for our necks or spine. Alternatively, you could ask your hairdresser for an alternative way to do this or even opt for no hair wash with your next cut.
In addition to this, don’t flick your head to dry your hair upside down; This may also lead to misalignments and postural issues.
Do you have neck pain? Is forward head posture becoming a problem in your life? Book your FREE discovery call with your local Finsbury Park chiropractor. BOOK NOW.