With school back in session, that means more time on laptops and tablets, doing homework, and looking down at phones.
Screens are a fact of life for most kids and teens, but all that screen time can take a toll on growing bodies. Have you noticed your child slouching more, complaining of neck or shoulder discomfort, or coming home from school with a headache? If so, posture may be playing a role.
If screen time seems to be affecting your child’s posture or comfort, the chiropractors at Bannon Clinic of Chiropractic, P.A. in Gastonia can take a closer look at how they’re moving and functioning.
What Is “Tech Neck”?
Tech neck is a common term for the neck and upper-back strain associated with spending long stretches looking down at a phone, tablet, or other device.
When the head moves forward and down, the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and upper back have to work harder to hold it up. Spending a lot of time in that position, whether for schoolwork, gaming, texting, or scrolling, can contribute to muscle fatigue, stiffness, and discomfort.
Kids and teens don’t always say when something hurts. It can help to watch for changes such as frequent slouching, rounded shoulders, a head that sits noticeably forward, neck or upper-back discomfort, headaches, or a habit of stretching and rubbing the neck and shoulders.
Small Changes Can Make a Difference
Helping kids build healthy movement and screen habits can be a good place to start.
Bring screens closer to eye level instead of letting your child look down all the time. Check that the homework space lets them sit comfortably, with feet supported and shoulders relaxed. Movement breaks can help too. Even a few minutes of standing, stretching, and walking around breaks up a long stretch of sitting.
When Should Your Child Be Evaluated?
Some stiffness after a long day isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. Recurring headaches, persistent neck or back pain, changes in posture, limited movement, or discomfort that keeps your child from normal activities may be worth having evaluated.
We evaluate how a child’s spine, joints, muscles, and posture are functioning to help determine what may be contributing to their symptoms. Pediatric chiropractic care is adapted to the child’s age, size, development, and individual needs.
If your child plays sports, we’ll factor in their sport and activity level too.
Start the School Year with Healthy Habits
Back-to-school season is a good time to look at more than grades and schedules. Pay attention to how your child sits, carries their backpack, uses devices, and moves after a long school day.
If you’re noticing changes in posture, headaches, neck pain, back discomfort, or something else that concerns you, contact Bannon Clinic of Chiropractic, P.A. in Gastonia. We can take a closer look at how your child is moving and whether their posture may be contributing to what you’re seeing.