Meeting Abstract

122.6  Tuesday, Jan. 7 14:45  Bad Posture and its Effects on the Neck and Shoulder Suspension Apparatus of Humans: A 3D Biomechanical Analysis OSBORN, M.L.*; GE, J.; MELANCON, K.P.; RAU, A.R.P.; HOMBERGER, D.G.; Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge; currently University of Georgia, Athens; Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge; Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans; Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge; Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge michelleosborn@msn.com

Bad posture and misalignment of the neck in humans cause clinical issues that significantly affect the quality of life of individuals. An understanding of the physical configuration and biomechanics of the neck and its associated parts in various postures is fundamental for successful treatments. We have re-conceptualized the human head, neck and shoulders as an integrated functional complex (i.e., the shoulder suspension apparatus) and have hypothesized that habitual bad postures (e.g., forward-head posture) lead to changes in the balance of forces acting on this apparatus. We reconstructed the data of an x-ray CT scan of an individual to create 3D models of the shoulder suspension apparatus in a “good” healthy posture and in a “poor” forward-head posture. We analyzed these models with the free-body diagram force analysis in 3D. In a good posture, the head and neck are stabilized by the core muscles, the nuchal ligament is relaxed, and the shoulders are suspended from the head by fascia and the connective tissue of the clavotrapezius and cleidomastoid muscles. In the forward-head posture, the nuchal ligament and various muscles are recruited to re-balance the shoulder suspension apparatus, which, in turn, may cause tightened muscles, myo-fascial pain, poor circulation to the head, head-aches, and inflammation of the joints.