Everything you need to know about upper crossed syndrome

Upper crossed syndrome was first described in 1979 by Vladimir Janda as a pathology due to muscle imbalances in the upper part of the trunk, whose symptoms can be seen with the naked eye with a forward curvature of the cervical region. In this post we talk about upper crossed syndrome, its most common causes and symptoms, as well as the best treatment for it.

What is upper cross syndrome?

Upper crossed syndrome, also known as crossed shoulder girdle syndrome, is imbalance that occurs in the muscle groups of the upper trunk, so that they are shortened and hypertonic and lose their ability to extend, in addition to presenting excess muscle tone.

Two types of muscles can be distinguished. On the one hand, tonic muscles are static and postural, which tend to become rigid and shortened. On the other hand, phasic muscles are dynamic muscles with a tendency to weakness due to disuse.

Particularly, it affects the atlanto-occipital joint, the C4-C5 segment, the cervicothoracic joint, the glenohumeral joint and the T4-T5 segment.

The rotator cuffs also play a fundamental role, such as the supraspinatus, infraspinatus and teres minor.

This imbalance will appear progressively, translated into the shoulder lift and forward head position. The craniocervical junction is the most exposed to this injury, which is why cervical pain and dizziness may appear.

Symptoms of upper cross syndrome

Symptoms related to upper crossed syndrome are usually pain in the neck, thoracic spine, shoulder pain and even jaw problems, with a feeling of tiredness between the shoulder blades.

At first glance, a marked elevation of the shoulders can be detected, which results in a shortening of the upper trapezius and weakness in the middle and lower trapezius, serratus major and rhomboids. The shoulders are also slumped forward, which is known as scapular protrusion.

An excessive extension in the upper part of the cervical area, generating muscle tension.

The head in a forward position is another of the most common symptoms of upper crossed syndrome, so the symptoms are related to those of a cervical hyperlordosis.

Likewise, hunched shoulders and shortening of the pectoral muscles are another of the symptoms that can be observed when there is upper crossed syndrome.

When the patient suffers from upper crossed syndrome, symptoms of the dorsal hyperkyphosis or increased dorsal curvature.

When this occurs intensely or repeatedly, the muscle develops contractures and trigger points.

Causes of proximal cross syndrome

Working time sitting in front of a screen, or simply poor postural hygiene in the chair, means that the dorsal region is subjected to continuous flexion, causing postural deterioration.

Besides, Incorrect training planning can be one of the most common causes of upper crossed syndrome.

Stress and anxiety can promote the appearance of upper crossed syndrome.

Consequences of crossed shoulder girdle syndrome

The patient with upper crossed syndrome can lead to consequences and complications, mainly affecting people who are sedentary or who adopt an incorrect posture.

Tension in the cervical region due to poor head posture can cause a headache, which often spreads.

The vertebral disorders that are generated are another of the consequences of crossed shoulder girdle syndrome, causing the so-called winged scapulae.

Treatment of upper cross syndrome

The physiotherapy treatment for upper crossed syndrome consists of inhibiting the tone of the hypertonic muscles through manual therapy, thus activating the muscles that have been weakened over time and deactivating the trigger points that have been generated in the muscles.

Exercises for upper cross syndrome

The exercises to strengthen the upper muscles have a positive impact on the treatment of upper crossed syndrome.

Therefore, it is recommended to stretch to relax shortened muscles. For myofascial release, the use of a foam roller is one of the elements that will help massage the affected upper muscles.

Equally important is performing exercises to strengthen inhibited muscles, always reviewing the impact of the sports practice carried out for this purpose.

At ICAC we have been treating patients with back and spine ailments for more than 10 years, and we are pioneers in spinal endoscopy using minimally invasive techniques in Madrid. The recovery of our patients is almost immediate, so in most cases, they are discharged from the hospital on the same day as the surgical intervention. Make an appointment with our spinal traumatologists and put an end to back pain that prevents you from having a full quality of life.