Protect Your Child From Chronic Pain
The last time in history that so many children had back and neck problems was over 100 years ago, before there were child labor laws. According to Dutch researchers and surgeons, “children ages 8-18 are receiving care for back problems previously only seen in hardworking adults over 50 years old”. Dr. Soeterbroek reports that “it makes no difference to the body whether you’re hunched over in a cigar factory or spending eight hours over an iPad”. The article also confirmed that “attention to posture has almost disappeared the world over. It’s becoming accepted as normal that children and teenagers have poor posture”.
This research article blames the excessive use of computers and phones as the cause of the problem. However, I agree with the researchers when they say that the answer is not banning technology, but instead, teaching parents, children, and teachers about proper posture, being physically active, and utilizing preventative care. It is easier to correct postural problems at a young age than it is to correct them in adulthood. Once the body has adapted to a postural abnormality, arthritis can begin to form.
Parents can get a sense for their child’s posture just by observation. Look at your child face to face and see if one shoulder is slightly higher than the other. Check if their head is tilted or rotated slightly to one side. These differences don’t need to be dramatic to have an impact on their spines. Even minute discrepancies can pinch nerves and lead to future problems.
Chiropractors are the most highly trained professionals to assess posture and spinal health. Dr. Abbey Denaro has additional training for pediatric chiropractic care, which can begin as young as newborns. To see if your child is at risk of future back problems, schedule an exam with Dr. Abbey Denaro.
References:
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/warning-of-spine-damage-to-young-from-computer-games-1.1491109