In the ideal body, the head sits directly on the neck and shoulders, just as a golf ball balances on a tee. For every inch forward the head sits in front of the shoulders an additional 10 lbs of weight is put on the cervical spine. This extra weight causes the body to compensate. The result is rounding of the shoulders, closing in the chest and tightening of the pectoralis muscles. As the body pulls forward there is a weakening and overstretching of the posterior neck and upper back musculature. FHP puts compressive loads upon the upper thoracic vertebra, and is associated with the development of the Upper Thoracic Hump. This hump can evolve into a Dowager Hump when the vertebra develop compression fractures. FHP has shown to easily influence head/neck/spine pain, functioning of the GI tract, mood, blood pressure and lung capacity (reducing vital capacity by 30%).

FHP is not going to correct itself; it will only evolve and develop further. There are corrective exercises that can do on your own; make sure to ask your massage therapist for recommendations. If you combine self-care with regular bodywork and a commitment to change your body will forgive and move towards increased health.