If you want to learn the top 8 tests for detecting forward neck posture, then, you have got to read this article carefully.
Also known as poor habitual neck posture, this is a condition wherein your head tends to slide forward.
When you have bad neck posture, your head tends to stay ahead of your body’s natural center of gravity. Simply put, your head is a few inches ahead of your cervical spine. This tilt initiates from the C4 vertebrae extending all the way till the Axis.
In most cases, bad neck posture is owing to poor lifestyle choices. It could be caused by you working on the desktop for hours. Crane neck posture is also a resultant of you watching your cellphone for long hours.
There could be several more reasons for your nerd neck. Perhaps it is genetic. It could also be owing to an illness or an accident.
Whatever the case may be, you need to first learn how to diagnose your forward head posture.
Let me walk you through a few tests for the same:
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What are the Top 8 Tests for Detecting Forward Neck Posture – Article Contents:
1) Standing Ruler Test
2) Complete Range of Motion Test
3) Testing the Neck Flexors
4) Testing the Neck while Lying Down
5) CT Scan
6) MRI Scan
7) EMG Test
8) Myelogram
The Standing Ruler Test
This is perhaps the simplest forward neck posture test that can be done at home. You need to stand straight with your back towards the wall. You need to ensure that your feet are positioned shoulder width apart.
Your butt as well as your shoulders should be pressed against the wall in a natural way. You should not try and put a lot of effort while doing so. It should be a smooth and natural movement.
Ask your friend to measure the distance between the wall and the back of your head. If there is no distance and your head touches the wall then, you have perfect head posture.
Nonetheless, if the back of your head does not touch the wall and slides forward then, you suffer from forward neck.
Complete Range of Motion Test
The second test involves assessing the complete range of motion of your neck. Here, you are asked by the doctor to flex, extend and rotate your neck. You are also asked to laterally flex your neck.
Here are a few points to consider:
@ Ideal flex angle of the spine is 50 degrees.
@ The ideal lateral flex angle of the spine is 45 degrees.
@ An ideal extension angle of the spine is 60 degrees.
@ The rotation of the spine should be 90 degrees.
If there is any deviation from these figures then, it is highly likely that you suffer from forward neck posture.
Please Note: Bad neck posture indicates reduced cervical range of motion.
Head Posture Test while Lying Down
In this test, you are asked by your medical practitioner to lie down on the bed in a supine position. If you have a good posture then, your spine and head would be in a neutral position.
In case you suffer from forward head posture then, your neck as well as your head would be hyperextended. Moreover, your thoracic spine shall be rigid thereby forcing your chin to be pushed upwards.
Neck Flexor Assessment Test
In this test, you need to lie down supine onto a flat bench with your hands clasping the back of your head. Lift your head an inch upwards with the help of your hands.
You need to then tuck your chin, so as to achieve a neutral position. Thereafter, you can let go of the support and allow your head to remain an inch above the flat table.
If your head posture is normal then, you should be able to maintain this position around 30 to 50 seconds.
In case you suffer from bad neck posture then, you may not be able to sustain this position for even 25 seconds.
This is yet another test for determining your neck and head posture.
The CT Scan Test:
The next test that I recommend for assessing the condition of your cervical spine is a Computed Tomography test.
This is a special X-Ray that tends to dissect images into miniature slices thereby enabling the doctor to view the spinal canal in its complete entirety.
CT scan is mainly used to detect bone tumor, spur, infections or osteophytes. Nonetheless, you may even use it to detect the angle of your forward head.
The MRI Scan
The next test on the list is an advanced version of the CT scan. It is termed as Magnetic Resonance Imaging. By making use of radio waves and a magnet, the detailed images of your spinal column are taken.
These images are then showcased onto the computer screen. You can also view the nerves that are emitting from the spinal column via this detailed test.
From this test, apart from forward head position, you also get to know of any herniation of your discs, infections to the spinal column or spinal tumors.
EMG Test
The next test that I have in mind is termed as Electromyogram. The muscles as well as the nerves in the spinal column is analyzed in a detailed manner via this test.
Basically any compression to your nerve is assessed and can be analyzed in great detail via this test. Besides nerve damage, the EMG test also analyzes the condition of your muscles.
It may also reveal the true posture that you are correctly maintaining.
Myelogram
The last and final test tends to analyze the disc as well as your vertebrae in a synchronized manner. Damages to the roots of your nerves or tumors may be recognized via the Myelogram test.
This test also analyzes whether forward head posture is causing numbness, weakness and stiffness in your neck and head muscles. This may not be the best test to measure your bad neck posture yet, it is helpful.
Conclusion:
The first and the second test that I have mentioned are appropriate to measure your forward head posture. The Ruler Method is the simplest and would give you a fair idea on your current neck position.
Nonetheless, if your bad neck posture is backed by neck pain, muscle stiffness and other issues in the spinal column then, you might need to go in for the remaining tests.
The best and easiest way to avoid forward head posture is to try and maintain good neck posture at all times.