Upper Crossed Syndrome
Upper-Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is also referred to as proximal or shoulder girdle crossed syndrome. In UCS, tightness of the upper trapezius and levator scapula on the dorsal side crosses with tightness of the pectoralis major and minor. Weakness of the deep cervical flexors ventrally crosses with weakness of the middle and lower trapezius. This pattern of imbalance creates joint dysfunction, particularly at the atlanto-occipital joint, C4-C5 segment, cervicothoracic joint, glenohumeral joint, and T4-T5 segment. Janda noted that these focal areas of stress within the spine correspond to transitional zones in which neighboring vertebrae change in morphology. Specific postural changes are seen in UCS, including forward head posture, increased cervical lordosis and thoracic kyphosis, elevated and protracted shoulders, and rotation or abduction and winging of the scapulae. These postural changes decrease glenohumeral stability as the glenoid fossa becomes more vertical due to serratus anterior weakness leading to abduction, rotation, and winging of the scapulae. This loss of stability requires the levator scapula and upper trapezius to increase activation to maintain glenohumeral centration (Janda 1988).
From Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance: The Janda Approach Human Kinetics Publishers
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i had very inspired with this article, and i am also practicing a lot of patient like this , but i wd like to follow your patterns, how can i got your articles, ??
I receommend you purchase the textbook, “Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance”: see http://www.jandacrossedsyndromes.com/
I have had shoulder/arm pain that has resembled bursitis/thoracic outlet syndrome for a few years. It has only recently been diagnosed. I’m in the midst of doctor appointments right now, and my next step is an EMG/MRI, but from what I can understand so far, I may have an elevated first rib. After looking up information online, I came across “Upper Crossed Syndrome,” and thus this informative article. Is this something genetic? What causes this muscle imbalance? I do not play sports and have not experienced any accidents/falls.
Vanessa, UCS is not genetic, but Dr. Janda would have suggested that genetic factors play a role in developing muscle imbalance syndromes. in other words, your body structure may be at risk for muscle imbalances. The cause is not well established, but we know they are generally regulated by the nervous system and perpetuated by normal daily movements.
Hi Vanessa,
I have exactly the same thing and same experiences! It just doesn’t seem to improve… Despite having a talking computer, …dragon speak, physio every week and massage … What works for you?!
Sue