Why is Neck Pain Increasing in Children?
When you think of someone having neck pain, you're probably thinking of an older person. It may surprise you to learn that an estimated one in five children suffers from neck pain. Many of us think of children as healthy and resilient, but there is an alarming increase in children suffering from pain that was once a complaint of aging adults.
Neck pain can make it difficult to get a good night's sleep, discourage kids from engaging in physical activities, and distract them from their studies. If not treated, neck pain can lead to more serious health problems later in life.
Signs and Symptoms of Neck Pain in Children
Some children will report neck pain to their parents, but some children may not realize that it should be mentioned. When children suffer from neck pain, observant parents might notice that their child has poor posture, or that his range of movement seems restricted in the head and/or neck area. Children with neck pain may also suffer from headaches.
A mild case may involve tenderness or stiffness of the neck that occurs sporadically. In more moderate to severe cases, pain can be more intense and more frequent.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Effects Neck Pain in Children
The uppermost seven vertebrae start at the base of the skull and run down the neck. This part of the spine is not only responsible for protecting the spinal cord but is also responsible for carrying the weight of the head and the movement of the head and neck.
Unfortunately, the upper cervical spine is prone to injury. Injury can occur from an impact, such as from roughhousing or being in a car accident. Injuries can also occur from poor posture, particularly the posture children assume when they are using electronic devices. When thrusting the head out and downward to look at a smartphone or tablet, the weight of the head puts undue stress on the vertebrae in the neck and can cause misalignments.
The use of handheld technological devices for long periods seems to be causing an epidemic of neck and upper back problems in children. Parents can help prevent issues by making sure children take frequent breaks from using devices, and holding them up so their head is not bent forward when using them. Once the spine is misaligned, however, the damage is done. Pain will continue until the root of the problem is fixed.
How We Treat Neck Pain in Children
Dr. Gordon Elder of the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas specializes in the Blair Chiropractic Technique. The Blair technique is focused on effective treatment of the upper cervical spine that is safe enough for children. Unlike traditional chiropractic methods that involve jarring twists and jerks, the Blair technique uses advanced technology to find precise calculations, and corrections are made through gentle manipulations.
Dr. Elder begins chiropractic care with a thorough screening using state-of-the-art 3D diagnostic imaging tools. If any misalignments are found, the doctor then uses minimal force techniques applied to precise locations for swift, light corrections.
Once the spine is properly aligned, children should feel some relief. In follow-up exams, the doctor will check to ensure the spine remains aligned. As the body's healing processes commence, inflammation will decrease and health will be restored.
Children can benefit from regular chiropractic check-ups as part of their general healthcare routine. Preventative care can help nip problems in the bud and prevent more serious issues as their bodies develop and grow.
It may be common for a child to have neck pain these days, but it isn't normal, and your child doesn't need to endure it. Call Dr. Elder's office if your child appears to be suffering from neck pain. Dr. Elder treats patients in Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.
