National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

In upper crossed syndrome, there is a distinct imbalance between certain muscles in the upper body due to postural habits often associated with prolonged sitting, poor ergonomics, or incorrect movement patterns. This condition typically features tightness in the pectoralis major and minor muscles, which are located at the front of the chest, and a weakness in the muscles of the upper back, especially the rhomboids and lower trapezius.

When assessing the muscle groups involved, the tight pectorals contribute to a rounded shoulder posture and forward head position, resulting in characteristic signs of upper crossed syndrome. Conversely, the rhomboids, which are responsible for retracting the scapulae, become weak as they are not activated properly due to the imbalance and altered posture.

Recognizing the combination of weak rhomboids and tight pectorals is critical for developing appropriate treatment and rehabilitation strategies aimed at restoring balance and proper function in the upper body. This involves strengthening the weak muscles while stretching the tight ones, ultimately addressing the postural issues associated with upper crossed syndrome.