Forward head posture can develop from a traumatic incident such as a car accident or a severe fall, and/or from months to years of posture neglect cause by work environment, hobbies, daily habits, nutrition and even emotional stress. 

Whiplash, which is experienced in most car accidents, accelerates the rate and development of forward head posture due to rapid extension-flexion motion and damage to ligaments and tendons of the cervical spine. This damage and muscle splinting will rapidly develop into forward head carriage unless proper care and treatment is rendered.

Most individuals develop forward head posture over a period of months, sometimes years. Individuals that work with computers or at a desk are more prone to develop forward head posture.

As seen in the picture on the right, people tend not to mind their posture while working. The proper workstation is seen on the left. There are other facts that lead to forward head posture over time and include certain hobbies/activities, other job professions with negative posture environments, poor driving, sitting and standing habits, pregnancy/obesity, weak or tight muscles, nutrition and emotional stress.