PATIENT EDUCATION: POSTURE

Forward Head Posture (FHP) occurs when the head shifts forward from its natural alignment with the spine, placing excessive strain on the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Ideally, the head should sit directly above the shoulders, with the ears aligned over the center of the shoulders when viewed from the side. However, modern habits like prolonged screen time, poor posture, mouth breathing, low tongue posture, and tongue tie can contribute to a forward head position, disrupting overall body mechanics.

• Excessive Screen Time ("Tech Neck") – Looking down at phones, tablets, or computers for long periods.
• Mouth Breathing – Chronic mouth breathing shifts the head forward to keep the airway open.
• Low Tongue Posture – When the tongue rests low in the mouth instead of against the palate, it fails to support proper jaw and head positioning.
• Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia) – Restricted tongue mobility prevents proper tongue posture, leading to compensatory forward head posture.
• Poor Posture – Slouching or improper ergonomics while sitting or standing.
• Weak Postural Muscles – Lack of strength in the deep neck flexors and upper back muscles.
• Sleep Positioning – Sleeping with inadequate neck support or in improper positions.

• Neck and Shoulder Pain – Increased strain on the cervical spine and surrounding muscles.
• Jaw Dysfunction (TMJ Issues) – Poor alignment can stress the temporomandibular joint.
• Airway Dysfunction & Breathing Issues – Forward head posture is linked to mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).
• Low Tongue Posture & Poor Swallowing Patterns – Can contribute to malocclusion, tongue thrust, and speech difficulties.
• Headaches & Fatigue – Muscle tension and reduced oxygenation contribute to headaches and low energy.
• Spinal Misalignment – The forward shift affects the entire postural chain, impacting the shoulders, back, and hips.

• Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) – Strengthens tongue posture, improves swallowing mechanics, and encourages nasal breathing to promote proper head positioning.
• Tongue-Tie Evaluation & Release (Frenectomy) – If restricted tongue mobility is contributing to postural dysfunction, a tongue-tie release with pre- and post-op myofunctional therapy can improve function.
• Postural Exercises – Strengthen the deep neck flexors, serratus anterior, rhomboids, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius.
• Screen Time Adjustments – Keep screens at eye level to reduce the tendency to look down.
• Breathing Retraining – Transition to nasal breathing with correct tongue posture to support airway stability.
• Chiropractic & Physical Therapy – Manual therapy and adjustments can help restore alignment.

Forward Head Posture is more than just a postural issue—it affects breathing, swallowing, airway function, and overall well-being. Identifying and correcting it through myofunctional therapy, tongue-tie evaluation, posture exercises, and better daily habits can significantly improve health and function.

The content provided on myophysx.com is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ignoring Forward Head Posture (FHP) can lead to chronic pain, structural imbalances, airway dysfunction, and long-term health complications. Since the head, neck, and jaw are interconnected with breathing and posture, untreated FHP can progressively worsen, affecting multiple systems in the body.

• FHP overloads the cervical spine, adding 10-30 extra pounds of pressure on the neck.
• The upper back and shoulders compensate, leading to chronic muscle tension and headaches.
• Over time, this can cause degenerative disc disease, arthritis, and spinal misalignment.

• Poor head posture affects jaw mechanics, leading to: 
  • Clicking, popping, and locking of the jaw.
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding) and excessive jaw tension.
  • Increased risk of malocclusion and bite changes.
• Low tongue posture or tongue-tie can worsen TMJ dysfunction, forcing the jaw into a compensatory position.

• FHP narrows the airway, making nasal breathing more difficult and encouraging mouth breathing.
• Leads to snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• Reduced oxygen intake can cause daytime fatigue, brain fog, and cardiovascular stress.

• FHP disrupts the natural swallowing pattern, increasing the risk of: 
  • Tongue thrust and dysfunctional swallowing mechanics.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) due to poor esophageal positioning.
  • Chronic tension in the throat muscles, leading to difficulty swallowing.

• Forward head posture, low tongue posture, and tongue-tie can disrupt normal orofacial development.
• May contribute to speech difficulties (e.g., lisping, difficulty articulating sounds).
• Can lead to narrow palates, malocclusions, and improper facial growth if not addressed early.

• Poor head posture affects the entire body, leading to: 
  • Pelvic misalignment and lower back pain.
  • Compensatory movement patterns affecting gait and stability.
  • Increased risk of injuries in athletes and active individuals.

The longer Forward Head Posture is ignored, the more difficult it becomes to correct, as compensatory patterns become ingrained in muscle memory. Addressing it early through Myofunctional Therapy (OMT), airway-focused treatment, and postural corrections can prevent chronic pain, airway dysfunction, and long-term structural damage.

Don't wait for symptoms to worsen—improving posture, tongue position, and breathing mechanics today can lead to lifelong health benefits.

The content provided on myophysx.com is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

An orthotic pillow is designed to support proper spinal and cervical alignment during sleep. By improving head, neck, and jaw positioning overnight, these pillows can help correct forward head posture (FHP), upper crossed syndrome, and airway dysfunction over time.

1️⃣ Natural Cervical Support
Orthotic pillows are contoured to follow the natural curve of the neck, reducing strain and encouraging a neutral head position.

2️⃣ Reduction of FHP During Sleep
Poor sleep posture can reinforce poor daytime habits. These pillows support the head and neck to minimize excessive cervical flexion and slouching.

3️⃣ Promotes Nasal Breathing
FHP often contributes to mouth breathing and airway collapse. Proper head alignment from an orthotic pillow can help maintain an open nasal airway.

4️⃣ Jaw & TMJ Support
Sleeping in poor alignment can put pressure on the TMJ, contributing to bruxism and jaw tension. Orthotic pillows support jaw alignment and complement myofunctional therapy efforts.

5️⃣ Reinforces Long-Term Postural Change
Consistent use helps train the body to maintain better alignment, which can carry into daytime posture and breathing habits.

✅ Individuals with Forward Head Posture
✅ Mouth Breathers or Those with Sleep Apnea
✅ TMJ Pain or Teeth Grinding
✅ Chronic Neck & Shoulder Tension
✅ Anyone Looking to Improve Sleep & Posture.
 

✔ Ergonomic Design – Contours that cradle the neck and promote alignment
✔ Proper Height & Firmness – Supports your spine without pushing your head too far forward
✔ Breathability – Materials like cooling foam or water-based cores regulate temperature
✔ Shoulder Cutouts – For side sleepers needing space for the shoulder joint
✔ Adjustability – Layered pillows allow height customization
 

• Allow 1–2 weeks for your body to adjust 
• Pair with myofunctional therapy to optimize airway and muscle function 
• Back sleeping supports best alignment, but side sleeping can be supported with proper pillow choice
   

An orthotic pillow is a simple tool that can enhance your posture, reduce tension, and support better breathing. When used alongside myofunctional therapy and proper daytime habits, it can significantly improve your musculoskeletal health and well-being.

The content provided on myophysx.com is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.