As students worldwide return to school, it’s likely many will be e-learning in some capacity for hours each day on their digital devices. While our devices can be fantastic tools for entertainment and education, the postural effects are something all parents should be aware of.
For many students, e-learning may increase neck, mid-back, and low back pain.
Tech Neck Syndrome
Kids spending 6 or more hours each day looking down at their digital devices can profoundly affect their mental, social, and physical health. It can also lead to the development of “Tech Neck Syndrome.”
This forward head posture often places tremendous stress on the neck (cervical spine) and can lead to an increase in headaches, back and neck pain, and more.
How does this happen? Poor posture positions compromise the natural curves of the spine leading to altered biomechanics. When these changes occur in the spine it places stress on muscles, ligaments, discs and if severe enough may cause pinched nerves later in life. The good news is this can be prevented. If you take care of your body and seek help from a chiropractor or physio when necessary, there should be no reason for pain.
Back pain and neck pain in children is getting worse
- Chiropractors in the UK have seen an increase in children with issues linked to screen time.
- Low back pain is the 3rd most common form of pain interfering with schoolwork.
- It’s estimated that 50.3% of school-aged children present with posture disorders.
- In fact, approximately 41.6% of children experience back pain from prolonged sitting.
One easy stretch to help Tech Neck
Making it a habit to look up throughout the day is a significant first step in reducing the effects of “Tech Neck.”
As in the photo above, encourage your child to pull their chin back, stretch your arms out in front of you and open them wide, and look up to the ceiling and hold for 20-30 seconds. Try and repeat this stretch every hour or so to help reset posture and body position.
And if your child spends every day at their computer learning or gaming, be sure to teach them this stretch and then book a visit here at Sundial. We’ll provide you with a full postural and movement-based assessment to identify any potential issues to help reduce their chance of suffering from “Tech Neck Syndrome.”