Posted by k8e on December 06, 2009 at 19:31:47:In Reply to: glark, MMA, neck/shoulder pain posted by ejy2 on October 04, 2009 at 17:18:57:
As long as I can remember, I too had the classic head forward position probably as a result of the small airway. For many years I had chronic daily headaches but was able to manage them with chin retraction exercises given to me by a physical therapist. However I was unable to respond to advice/therapy to correct my head forward posture because the "correct" posture made me feel like I couldn't breathe well. I no longer suffered from headaches but still had a lot of neck and upper back fatigue and my neck mobility was pretty bad.
MMA surgery didn't cure my forward head position, however I have needed physical therapy due to some jaw problems following the surgery, and this time I have made a lot of gains in PT with regard to correcting my head posture. I look much better and I have less fatigue in my neck and upper back.
In my opinion, the MMA made it possible for PT to address the head forward posture.