i just became aware of a correlation between vagus nerveâs âvagal toneâ and forward head posture, and how FHP can actually impede on the nerves function, resulting in long term mental health problems.
Since the mobile phone, there has been an increase in a particular postural issue, often called âtext neckâ. This is where the head rests too far forward from the shoulders, putting excessive strain on the neck and upper body. If this is maintained long-term, the fascia will completely reform into this position, which makes it difficult to change.
Chatgpt pointed me to some studies that explored how Forward Head Posture impacts vagal tone. One study highlighted how poor cervical posture, such as FHP, might lead to decreased vagal tone due to mechanical stress on the cervical spine and surrounding musculature.
When properly aligned, the head typically weighs about 10-12 pounds. For every inch the head moves forward from this neutral position, the weight the neck muscles need to support increases substantially.
1 Inch Forward: The head feels like it weighs about 27 pounds.
2 Inches Forward: The head feels like it weighs about 40 pounds.
3 Inches Forward: The head feels like it weighs about 49 pounds.
The vagus nerve is responsible for the regulation of internal organ functions, such as digestion, heart rate, and respiratory rate, as well as vasomotor activity, and certain reflex actions, such as coughing, sneezing, swallowing, and vomiting
Thus, poor vagal tone due to Forward head posture can excaserbate or cause mental health and bodily problems such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, IBS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ASD, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder.
i have this posture. i have been using fields to try fix it but results have been very slow. I do suffer from an anxiety disorder despite having enough confidence and social/communication skills to feel comfortable.