Prevalence of Upper Cross Syndrome in Laundry Workers

CONTEXT: Upper crossed syndrome is caused by weakness in one group of muscles and tightness in other group of muscles. Deep-neck flexor weakness and tight pectorals and sternocleidomastoid contribute to this syndrome. This syndrome mainly arises as a result of muscular imbalance that usually develops between weak and tonic muscles. Laundry workers tend to develop this syndrome due to the nature of their work. AIMS: The aim of the study is to find the prevalence of upper crossed syndrome in laundry workers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prevalence study was conducted among laundry workers. Laundry workers were selected by random sampling method. They were assessed by performing various special tests for tightness and weakness of the muscles. Oswestry neck disability index questionnaire was then filled up by the population included. RESULTS: Data from fifty laundry workers were obtained and analyzed. The symptoms of upper crossed syndrome were present (n = 14) in the population with mild neck disability (n = 4) and moderate neck disability (n = 11) and no disability (n = 35). CONCLUSIONS: These findings reported in the study provide a better understanding of impact and the extent of upper crossed syndrome. We found out that there is a significant prevalence of upper crossed syndrome in laundry workers. Neck pain presents as the main symptom, and these patients also present with forward head-and-neck posture.