What posture is indicated if the head appears forward when viewed from the side?

When the head appears forward when viewed from the side, it indicates protraction. Protraction refers to a forward positioning of the head, which often occurs due to postural habits, such as prolonged computer use or other activities that require leaning forward. This positioning can lead to muscular imbalances and discomfort in the neck and upper back, as the head's weight shifts away from its ideal alignment with the spine.

In contrast to this, normal alignment would show the head centered over the shoulders, with the ear line aligned vertically with the shoulder line. Retraction involves the head being pulled back towards the spine, often creating a double chin appearance, and elevation pertains to the head being tilted upwards, which does not describe a forward position. Therefore, protraction is the most accurate descriptor for the situation where the head is viewed as being forward from a side perspective.