teenager on their phones

How to Prevent Text Neck pain and Headaches in Teenagers Going Back to School?

Neck Pain
September 04, 2024•3 min read

How to Prevent Text Neck pain and Headaches in Teenagers Going Back to School?

As the new school year kicks off, teenagers are likely to find themselves spending more time hunched over their phones, tablets, and laptops. Whether it's texting friends, doing homework, or scrolling through social media, these activities can lead to a condition known as "Text neck." This issue often results in headaches, neck pain, and potentially long-term spinal problems. Today, Fort Myers chiropractor will discuss what text neck is, why teenagers are particularly at risk, and how you can help prevent it.

Understanding Text Neck: What It Is and Why It Matters

Text neck refers to the strain and discomfort caused by looking down at your phone or other

devices for extended periods. When the head is tilted forward, the weight on the neck increases

dramatically, placing extra stress on the cervical spine. Over time, this can lead to:

  • Neck and Shoulder Pain

  • Headaches

  • Reduced Flexibility

  • Potential Long-Term Spinal Issues

For teenagers, whose bodies are still developing, the effects of text neck can be particularly concerning.

Did you know? Your head weighs about 10 to 12 pounds. However, when your teenager tilts their head forward just 15 degrees, they are placing 20 to 22 pounds of pressure on their spine. If their head tilts forward 60 degrees (like when their chin is close to their chest), they are putting 60 pounds of pressure on their spine! This could lead to very tight neck muscles and significant pain.

Why Are Teenagers in Fort Myers Especially at Risk?

Teenagers are especially vulnerable to text neck for several reasons:

  • Increased Screen Time: With the rise of online learning, social media, and gaming, teens are spending more time on their devices than ever before.

  • Poor Posture Habits: Teens often develop poor posture habits, such as slouching or hunching over their devices, which exacerbates the risk of text neck.

  • Lack of Awareness: Many teens are unaware of the impact that prolonged device use can have on their posture and overall health.

Symptoms of Text Neck Every Parent Should Know

  • Persistent Neck Pain

  • Headaches: Often starting at the base of the skull and radiating to the forehead, caused by muscle tension.

  • Shoulder blade Pain and Tightness

  • Reduced Mobility: Difficulty moving the neck or experiencing stiffness after long periods of device use.

  • Prevention Tips for Parents and Teenagers

  • Preventing text neck and the associated headaches is crucial for maintaining good spinal health.

Effective Prevention Tips for Text Neck in Teens

Prevention Tips

1. Good Posture: Keep devices at eye level and sit up straight.

2. Take Breaks: Encourage breaks every 20 minutes.

3. Proper Chair Use:

o Back Support: When sitting in a chair, make sure your teen’s back is touching the backrest for proper support.

o Arm Support: Teach your teen to rest their elbows on the armrest while holding their phone to reduce strain on the neck.

4. Limit Screen Time:

o Set Boundaries: Help your teen set limits on their device usage, especially before bedtime, to avoid prolonged strain.

5. Ergonomic Study Setup:

o Proper Desk Setup: The screen should be at eye level, and the chair should support a healthy posture.

When to Seek Help from a Fort Myers Chiropractor

If neck pain or headaches persist, visit Chery Chiropractic Center in Fort Myers for a free examination. We offer posture correction, pain relief, and personalized preventive advice

Our services include for teen headache treatment in Fort Myers:

Posture Correction: Helping your teen develop better posture habits.

Pain Relief: Using gentle adjustments, ultrasound, trigger point therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, and stretching exercises to relieve neck pain and headaches.

Preventive Advice: Offering personalized tips to avoid future problems.

Worried about your teen’s posture, persistent neck pain or headache? Don't let your teen's posture lead to chronic pain. Contact Chery Chiropractic Center in Fort Myers today for a free examination and start them on the path to a pain-free school year.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7914771/

https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/neck-pain/text-neck-treatment-and-prevention

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/podcasts/health-essentials/how-to-avoid-tech-neck-with-dr-andrew-bang

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