The correct head posture is with the head held high on the shoulders, and the ears aligned directly over each shoulder. The spine should be held completely straight up and down. Improper head posture is one of the most common postural issues, especially among those who work in certain professions.
One of the most common issues with head posture is forward head syndrome, a condition in which the head juts outward from the neck. This puts a tremendous amount of strain on the neck. Instead of the spine supporting the weight of the head as it does when the skull and neck are properly aligned, those with forward head posture put the full weight of their heads on the neck. This can be treated with proper training on how to hold ones head erect.
There are exercises that can be done to improve head posture, but they should be directed by a physical therapist or chiropractor at first in order to ensure they are being done correctly. Performing them incorrectly could lead to injury of the neck. Many individuals may need to practice these exercises before attempting them on their own.
Once the proper techniques have been learned, it is all right to do head posture exercises at home. It may help to do them in front of the mirror so that one can see that the neck is straight and erect and that the ears are properly aligned with the shoulders. This may feel unnatural at first since so many individuals are used to holding their heads incorrectly. With practice, proper head posture will begin to be more natural.
Additional exercises may be needed to strengthen the muscles which are responsible for holding up the spine. The muscles in the chest, abdomen, and back should all be kept strong so that they can properly hold up the body. This can be done through crunches, push-ups, chest presses, and sit-ups, which all help to strength the muscles responsible for proper posture. Other ways to improve posture include balancing a book on the head to ensure that it is straight, lying on the stomach face down and pulling the head up slowly, and alternating between jutting the chin out and pulling it in.
