Comprehensive Rehabilitation of a Patient With Upper Crossed Syndrome

Abstract

Background: In upper cross syndrome (UCS), weaker neck flexors, anterior and middle serratus and lower trapezius along with rhomboids usually develop, and stiffness of the levator scapulae, pectoralis major as well as upper trapezius are biomechanically adapted. Muscle imbalance is the primary cause for the upper cross syndrome between the tonic and phasic muscles. Individuals with upper cross syndrome may also exhibit any of the following issues text neck syndrome, round upper back, reduced thoracic spine mobility, winged scapulae. Active Release Technique (ART) helps to reduce discomfort and improve the range of movement. Also, Active Release Technique (ART) is a manual procedure which is also being used for other soft tissue rehabilitation as well as for the management of the scar tissues. UCS and neck pain is common with uncomfortable job postures as well as in stress and anxiety, due to which muscle dysfunction starts which can further followed by altered posture around the neck. Active Release Technique was also used earlier for muscle dysfunction and for scar tissue mobilization. Changes in musculature structure may exhibit chronic headaches among the patients of upper cross syndrome also unbalanced soft tissue near the neck may create barriers for the head’s range of motion (ROM). Patients complaints were pain, decreased job efficiency for which he was later diagnosed as a case of upper cross syndrome. The patient showed great co-operation during the treatment and now the patient is able to perform his job-related tasks without discomfort

Effectiveness of Active Release Technique Along with Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Pectoralis Minor Tightness and Shoulder Range of Motion Among College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trail

“…2 The pectoralis minor muscle helps in stabilizing the shoulder joint, depresses, rotates downward and tilts the scapula anteriorly. 3 It is commonly regarded as a contributor to abnormal scapula positioning and thus leading to faulty biomechanical posture. 4 Tightening of the muscle can occur for a variety of reasons ranging from repeated overhead motions like any kind of sports or due to chronically sustained aberrant postural positions such as slouched position which can further associated to shoulder pain and various other specific pathologies.…”

Effect of Scapular Stabilization Exercises with and without Thoracic Mobilization on Neck Pain and Range of Motion in Upper Cross Syndrome

“…Mechanical dysfunction that triggers unusual joint motion is a known possibility for neck disorder since there is an altered mobility of cervical muscles which affects the cervical range of motion. 6 Previous studies revealed that the prevalence rate of Upper Cross Syndrome in college-going students is 37.1% in which 48.7 % population of the students have neck pain while 66.8 % of the population was found to have poor studying posture. 7 The young adult population with a sedentary lifestyle are at a higher risk of Upper Cross Syndrome as they have long hours of sitting posture while using the computer, studying in a slouch posture, watching television or using a smartphone, carrying heavy backpacks, and uncomfortable job posture.…”

Upper Crossed Syndrome: Trends and Recent Advances in the Physiotherapy Treatment a Narrative Review

“…This form of imbalance creates cervical and thoracic joint dysfunction, predominantly at the atlantooccipital joint region, C4-C5 segment, cervicothoracic joint, T4-T5 segment and glenohumeral joint, strain, intersegmental joint dysfunction, discogenic pain, rotator cuff syndrome, degeneration, vertigo, costo-vertebral dysfunction, thoracic outlet syndrome, and TMD [6]. Not only can UCS prompt to postural changes in the upper back (it is also called as hyperkyphosis of the thoracic spine region) which will also lead to respiratory problems [7]. Proprioceptive senses is having two significant roles in the neck region: they give information on cervical spine movement pattern or motion to the central nervous system, and posture and they attain stability by cervical reflexes and protect the cervical spine.…”