Vol. 6, Issue 7, Part C (2020)

Background: Upper cross syndrome (UCS) is a condition which mainly arises as a result of muscular imbalances that usually develops between tonic and phasic muscles. Tonic muscles are the muscles that most of the time become tight i.e over facilitated whereas phasic muscles are the muscles that are shortened and inhibited. Upper Crossed Syndrome involves rounded shoulders and forward head posture which results in reduced craniovertebral angle, cervical spine range of motion and increased incidence of chronic neck pain due to muscular imbalances. Prevalence of UCS in medical students is associated with long hours of studying with a poor posture. Suboccipital Release is a technique applied to craniocervical region aimed at relieving hyperactive trigger points and facilitate suboccipital muscle relaxation. Suboccipital MET involves post isometric relaxation which is an effective technique in deactivating myofacial trigger points and restoring normal suboccipital muscle length.