What is Text Neck In Kids?
Text neck is a relatively new condition that has become more prominent as our use of handheld devices has increased. It is caused by the strain on the spine that occurs when the head is thrust forward or held in a downward position for long periods. Sufferers of tech neck may experience stiffness, pain, spasms, or reduced mobility in the neck. They may also have pain in the shoulders, head, and jaw, or experience numbness and tingling in the arms or hands.
Anyone of any age can get tech neck, but there has been an alarming rise in the condition in children. Kids who frequently use phones and tablets for communication, homework, and entertainment are prone to developing tech necks. The condition can be even more serious for children because their bones are still developing. If not treated, tech neck can cause future health problems.
Text Neck and the Upper Cervical Spine
The upper cervical spine begins below the skull and runs through the neck. One of its jobs is to hold up the weight of the head. When the head is thrust forward for long periods, it puts undue stress on the vertebrae and may cause them to become misaligned.
Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can cause a host of health problems. Inflammation of the surrounding tissue may cause nerve compression. The muscles of the neck and surrounding areas can become stretched and tight. As the body tries to compensate for poor posture, it puts excessive stress on other muscles and joints, throwing the whole musculoskeletal system out of whack. This can be most detrimental to children who are still developing and growing.
Avoiding Text Neck In Kids
As with many health problems, it's better to avoid them than to need treatment for them. Text neck can be avoided with better posture. Reduce the amount of time spent looking at devices, or take more frequent breaks from them. Hold the device up when using it and keep the head and neck in an upright position. Check your posture periodically and make sure to get your exercise.
If your children are suffering from text neck, try to make them aware of proper posture, the importance of breaks, and physical activity.
Treating Text Neck In Kids
As text neck is directly caused by upper cervical spine misalignments, your best option is to see a chiropractor who specializes in the upper cervical spine. Our specialist, Dr. Bejian Shamloo, uses a combination of advanced technology tools and manual manipulations to help correct misalignments and improve the health of the spine.
Dr. Shamloo examines patients using advanced 3D diagnostic imaging scans to locate misalignments. This allows him to make exact calculations of your unique anatomy so that his manual corrections are more precise. Corrections are safe and gentle enough for children.
Treating text neck early can help prevent problems in the future, especially in children. Call Dr. Shamloo for an appointment today. We service patients in Knoxville, Alcoa, Maryville, Farragut, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Lenoir City, Karns, Hardin Valley, Powell, Halls, and Fountain City in Tennessee, as well as the surrounding areas.