Pediatrics and Chiropractic Care
Children also tend to fall and shock their spines regularly. How often has your child fallen while learning to walk, ride a bike, or play with friends?
Although these minor injuries seem harmless, they could result in more severe health issues down the road if not treated through pediatric chiropractic care. Yet, one of the most commonly asked questions at Action Chiropractic is, “Will chiropractic care be safe for my child?”
The answer is YES!
Pediatric Chiropractic Care is a safe treatment method that addresses many types of conditions including one of the most common childhood issues, Tech Neck.
benefits associated with receiving pediatric chiropractic care
Dr. Chris ensures your child’s spine functions correctly by eliminating nerve system interference and irritation through the gentle combination of craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, and adjustments using a light touch or Activator tool.
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Ear infections
- Colic
- Bedwetting (Enuresis)
- Colds
- Digestive problems
- Tech-Neck (bad posture due to electronics)
What is Tech Neck?
Children today are typically exposed to technology from an early age, and recent studies have shown that kids 8 – 10 years old spend as much as six hours per day looking at screens (television, smartphone, tablet, computer). And the amount of screen time hours only increases with age. Outside of the potential mental health side effects associated with increased screen time, there are physical ramifications as well. One of these is called “Tech Neck”, a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders, and is directly caused from staring at a screen for prolonged periods of time. .
When you are looking down at a screen, your head tilts forward, and is no longer supported over your body. This puts strain on your neck, shoulders, and back, and can cause stress to the nerves, discs, and muscles in those areas. If left untreated, Tech Neck can cause long-term damage to your spinal cord as well.
Symptoms of Tech Neck
If you are worried your child might be experiencing Tech Neck, watch for these symptoms:
- Sharp pain in the neck or shoulders around bedtime
- General pain and tightness in the shoulder area
- Upper back pain
- Stiffness in the neck
- Headaches which seem to get worse when looking down at a screen (phone, tablet, computer)
- Numbness in the arms, fingers, or hands
Treatment Options for Tech Neck
Luckily, Tech Neck is a curable condition that can be treated through chiropractic care, and prevented in the future with these screen time best practices.
- Schedule regular visits with your chiropractor. Chiropractors are trained on how to realign your spine and relieve neck and shoulder pain through adjustments and therapeutic exercise techniques. They will also be able to properly diagnose if you are suffering from Tech Neck or a different type of condition.
- Avoid hunching over your screen or leaning forward.
- Keep devices at eye level.
- Take screen breaks throughout the day.
- Take time to stretch at your desk.
- Try exercise routines like yoga to help lengthen your spine and neck after screen time.
