What It Really Means When Your Head Feels Heavy

Does your head ever feel heavy? Do you ever just want to put your head down and rest? According to Science Focus, the average human head weighs between 11 and 14 pounds. That's a lot of weight for your neck and shoulders to hold up. 

Have you ever felt like your head was heavier than that? You might feel like it is, but it probably isn't. The only way for a head to weigh more than that is when someone has been diagnosed with Proteus syndrome, which is extremely rare. Proteus syndrome does cause an enormous head. Only 200 cases of this syndrome have been reported, and only 100 of those meet the diagnostic criteria for Proteus syndrome (via the National Organization for Rare Disorders). 

Head heaviness is much more likely to be caused by something else and is a symptom, rather than a diagnosis. If you're leaning your head on your hands or are face-planted on your desk, check out these possible causes.

You probably have other symptoms that go along with your head feeling heavy. According to De Witt Physical Therapy and Wellness, a common cause for a heavy head is poor posture. It's normal for your head to be about 1-2 inches in front of your chest, but you're adding an extra 10 pounds for every inch over that. For example, if your head weighs 12 pounds and your head is 4 inches past your chest, you're making your neck muscles hold up about 40 pounds. Other symptoms of poor posture are pain in your jaw, shoulders, neck, or head. Try correcting your posture by sitting up straight with your head no more than an inch or two past your chest and shoulders, slightly back and down. 

The Cleveland Clinic adds that you need to keep your knees at a 90-degree angle. Your feet need to be flat on the floor or on a footrest. Allow your elbows and arms to rest on your chair. Avoid sitting in the same position longer than 30 minutes at a time, and remember to get up and walk around to stretch. Be aware of your posture while sitting to avoid a heavy head.