Posture & Wellness
Upper-Crossed Postural Syndrome
A recognisable pattern of tight and under-working muscles around the neck and shoulders.
Also called: Upper crossed syndrome.
The pattern describes tightness through the chest and upper trapezius alongside reduced activity in the deep neck flexors and lower shoulder-blade muscles.
It is common in people who spend long hours seated or at a desk, though the degree to which it is present varies quite a bit between individuals.
Why this matters
It is a useful shorthand, but the pattern still has to be confirmed on examination for the individual in front of us.
Left unaddressed, this pattern can contribute to ongoing neck, shoulder and upper-back discomfort, since certain muscles are doing more work than they should while others are underused.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Muscle tone patterns are set by the nervous system, so timing and coordination matter as much as strength and flexibility.
Assessing which muscles are overactive and which are underactive, rather than assuming the textbook pattern applies exactly, guides what is actually recommended.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go. The NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation is scheduled separately, after joining membership.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- When it's clinically appropriate, yes. Your first visit includes a consultation and examination, and Dr. Geran adjusts at that visit when the findings support it.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Joint Pain & Staying Active — Shoulders, hips, knees, ankles — extremity function matters as much as the spine.
- Achilles Tendinopathy — Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually load-related.
- Ankle Pain — Pain or restriction at the ankle, often after an old injury.
- Ankle Sprain — Ligament injury from rolling or twisting the ankle.
Ready to feel and function better?
Book your first visit and find out what Dr. Mike recommends for you. One price covers your first two visits.