Upper and Lower Crossed Syndrome

If you notice your posture being “off” and you realise it is starting to affect your day-to-day life, you most likely have UCS or LCS.

The word “syndrome” may sound terrifying, but it is important to know that “syndrome” just means an accumulation symptoms or conditions that occur together.

Upper and lower crossed syndrome refers to imbalanced muscle activity where some areas may overwork causing tightness and the others will under work causing instability. Both upper and lower crossed syndromes can create compensation mechanisms throughout the body and can cause pain, reduced range of motion and instability. 

Let’s break these two conditions down:

  1. Upper Crossed Syndrome

    In UCS, people will experience tightness of the upper trapezius, elevator scapulae and pecs while the cervical flexors and mid to lower trapezius is significantly weaker. This imbalance can cause dysfunction within the spine, often affecting the C5-C6 region.

    Over time this postural imbalance can result to chronic inflammation, wear and tear which will bring about pain and potential nerve issues. Early signs of this may include forward head carriage, hunch, head feeling heavy, loss of stability, headaches and more.

  2. Lower Crossed Syndrome

    In LCS, people will experience tightness in the hip flexors and lumbar extensors and weakness of the deep abdominal muscles and gluteus muscles.

    This can often result in imbalances and one common characteristic is the anterior pelvic tilt which increases the lumbar lordosis significantly. Overtime, this can result to facet irritation and even nerve issues such as sciatica.

At The Chiro Boutique we will make sure to look beyond symptoms and help the patients rehabilitate not only through adjustments but through other therapies.

For example, a great treatment plan for these conditions would be adjustments for joint mobilisation and nerve release, myofascial release to activate and relax certain muscles, point trigger therapy such as dry needling, cupping and strengthening and mobilisation advice. 

It is clear that one treatment does not fit all and we pride ourselves in making sure your body is taken care of fully.