Upper cross syndrome includes which of the following patterns?

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Upper cross syndrome shows a pattern where some muscles are chronically tight and others are chronically weak, creating a specific cross-pattern in the upper body. The deep cervical flexors become weak, reducing neck stabilizing control, while the superficial neck flexors (like the sternocleidomastoid) and the chest muscles (pectoralis major/minor) become tight. At the same time, the upper trapezius and levator scapulae tend to be tight, pulling the shoulder girdle upward. The combination of these overactive and underactive groups produces forward head posture and rounded shoulders. The pattern also involves underactivity of the trunk extensor chain, meaning the thoraco-lumbar extensors are relatively weak, which supports the inability to maintain proper spinal extension and contributes to the characteristic posture. This set of muscle activity and inhibition matches the described pattern, making it the best fit.