Disjointed Navigating the Diagnosis and Management of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Quotes

“Hyperextension in the lower extremities, such as knee hyper extension shown here (see figure 5), not only puts added strain on the opposing musculature, but it also leads to added stress on numerous joints and muscles throughout the trunk, spine, shoulders, and even all the way to the cervical spine and tempermandibular joints. Knee hyper extension can cause the foot arches to flatten, the tibia rotate inward, the pelvis to shift and rotate forward, and cause abnormal spinal curvature and excessive forward head positioning. This habitual standing posture can result in what is referred to as upper and lower cross body syndrome (see figure 6). These poor postural habits lead to shortening, weakness and inhibition of key core stabilizers resulting in misalignment and pain in joints. And, what happens at our base of support, sitting or standing, affects the positioning of the rest of the body.”
― Diana Jovin, Disjointed Navigating the Diagnosis and Management of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders

“One common problem caused by postural faults is forward head position, in which the head is sitting forward of the spine. In this posture, for every inch the head moves forward, the weight of the head on the spine increases by an additional 10 pounds. People whose head is sitting 3 inches forward of their shoulders are now supporting 42 pounds of weight, compared to what is typically 12 pounds in aligned posture. This can occur in both sitting and standing postures. It can pull the spine out of alignment, reduce lung capacity inhibiting complete lung aeration, contribute to a sluggish gastrointestinal system, cause tension headaches, and decrease balance. Most devastating is if forward head posture leads to cervical spine instability, as a result of constant strain on the ligaments which stabilize the neck. A stable cervical spine protects the spinal cord and brainstem. The laxer the ligaments, the stronger the muscles must be support the head and neck.”
― Diana Jovin, Disjointed Navigating the Diagnosis and Management of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders