Poor Posture can lead to this

Forward head posture is becoming increasingly common – especially with prolonged desk work, device use, and poor sitting habits. Am I Growing a ‘Hook’ at the Back of the Skull? was this patients question.

One of the more surprising changes we sometimes see on X-rays is the development of a larger bony prominence, or “hook,” at the back of the skull.

At Errol Street Chiropractic Centre (ESCC) in North Melbourne, patients are often surprised to learn that posture can influence not only muscle tension and movement, but also how the body adapts structurally over time.

What Is the “Hook” at the Back of the Skull?

At the base of the skull is a normal anatomical structure called the External Occipital Protuberance (EOP) — a small bump where muscles and ligaments attach.

One of the key muscles attaching here is the trapezius muscle, which plays an important role in supporting the neck and upper back.

When the head repeatedly shifts forward over time, these tissues can experience increased mechanical stress.

In some cases, the body adapts by laying down extra bone or calcification at the tendon attachment, creating a larger or more “hook-like” appearance on X-ray. It’s not unusual to hear this question in my office, ‘Am I Growing a ‘Hook’ at the Back of the Skull?’.

How Forward Head Posture Contributes

Forward Head Posture (FHP) occurs when the head sits further forward than its ideal position over the shoulders.

This posture is extremely common with:

• Desk work
• Phone and device use
• Slouched sitting habits
• Poor workstation setup

As the head moves forward:

• The neck muscles work harder to support it
• Stress increases through the cervical spine
• Muscle tension and joint restriction can develop
• The normal neck curve may gradually reduce or reverse

Over time, these changes can contribute to ongoing neck dysfunction and postural strain.

Common Symptoms Associated with FHP

People with Forward Head Posture commonly experience:

• Neck stiffness and pain
• Tightness through the upper shoulders and traps
• Reduced neck mobility
• Tension headaches
• Fatigue with desk work or computer use

Many people also notice they feel “rounded,” slouched, or unable to maintain upright posture comfortably.

X-Ray Findings Often Seen with Forward Head Posture

In addition to the enlarged EOP or “hook,” we commonly see:

• Loss of the normal cervical lordosis (neck curve)
• Reversal of the cervical curve
• Forward head translation
• Increased stress through the lower neck joints

These structural and postural changes may influence how efficiently the neck moves and functions.

Our Approach at ESCC

At Errol Street Chiropractic Centre, our focus is not just on temporary symptom relief, but understanding what may be contributing to the problem.

Care may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal movement and joint mobility
• Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP) to help improve posture and spinal alignment
• Postural retraining and awareness strategies
• Advice to reduce ongoing daily strain

CBP is a posture-focused approach that uses objective measurements to assess spinal alignment and guide more targeted care.

By improving movement, posture, and spinal function, we aim to reduce ongoing stress on the neck and support long-term spinal health.

Why Posture Matters

Posture is not just cosmetic – it influences how your spine moves, how muscles function, and how stress is distributed through the body.

Small postural changes repeated every day can gradually lead to larger adaptations over time.

This is why identifying and addressing Forward Head Posture early may help reduce ongoing strain and improve long-term function.

Forward Head Posture Chiropractor Melbourne

If you are experiencing neck pain, stiffness, headaches, or noticing changes in your posture, a thorough assessment may help identify what is contributing to the problem. Let’s hope that this question, ‘Am I Growing a ‘Hook’ at the Back of the Skull?’ is not one you will ever need to ask.

At ESCC, we provide posture-focused chiropractic care for people across North Melbourne, Carlton, Parkville, Docklands, Kensington, Fitzroy, and the Melbourne CBD.

Book an assessment to better understand your posture and explore a personalised approach to care.