Is your child connected to a phone, computer, or tablet during and after school? Think about it. Many of us aren't more than an arm's length from our phone at any time (even when sleeping). Spending time every day looking down at our devices can place a lot of stress on the supporting muscles of our neck and lead to an uptick in headaches. It's a condition called "Tech Neck," one of the most common causes of headaches and neck pain.
The countless daily hours kids spend on phones and computers can significantly contribute to tension headaches. It’s estimated that kids spend up to 1,400 hours per year in the exact positions attributed to the development of "Tech Neck." That's not surprising. Recent research has also shown that even 15 degrees of forward head tilt can triple the weight of the head on the spine.
Here are some key things to remember when it comes to "Tech Neck":
Keep it simple. Encourage your children to take breaks and stretch often. These are some of the best (and easiest) ways to help them break the bad habits leading to "Tech Neck." If your child spends a lot of time online and begins experiencing neck pain or headaches, don't hesitate to give us a call.
Our team is experienced in evaluating children and creating kid-friendly care plans. Our doors are open, and we're ready to help you and your family live the highest quality of life possible!
Assessment of Stresses in the Cervical Spine Caused by Posture. Surg Tech Intl. 2014.
Text Neck Syndrome. Intl Journal of Env Research and Public Health. 2021.
Three Steps to Build a Better Back. Harvard Health Publishing. 2015.
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Dr. Sidhartha Jandial is proud to be serving the coastal community of Half Moon Bay. His education consists of Bachelors in Biology (University of California, Riverside), Masters in Public Health (Loma Linda University), and Doctorates in Chiropractic (Life Chiropractic College West).
