With most kids distance learning now, "device use and your kids" is an important topic. Pre-virus, we already knew device use and your kids caused a lot of different aches and pains. Here is a video on preventing text neck. On top of that, continued and prolonged periods of looking down at the device had also been reported to cause changes in skull anatomy. Remember the article during the summer of 2019 about kids developing "horns" on the back of their heads from constant phone use? If you don't, here is a link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-21625-1
Fast forward to 2020 when we've all forgotten about common sense issues like limiting screen time and reusing our plastic bags and it's now all about the virus. Sigh...
Device use with your kids is at an all time high. The all important tablet for remote school is really a problem. There are a few tips to keep devices from hurting their muscles and young, malleable and developing spines. First, try to keep the tablet at eye level so they don't need to look down. Using a tablet holder stacked on top of books can really help with this. This video can help with remote learning tips.
Secondly, if your kid's device has a removeable keyboard so that the screen can be placed at eye level and the keyboard can be used with their elbows comfortably bent at 90 degrees, that would be the best case scenario.
Thirdly, as much as possible, try limiting screen time outside of school hours. So much easier said that done when our social connections have moved from an in-person setting to a virtual world. Here is another article with good practical tips: https://www.activefamilychiropractic.com/post/improving-work-from-home-station-to-lessen-neck-pain
If you are noticing that your kids are starting to make funny motions with their necks trying to get comfortable or that their posture is getting worse by the month, bring them to a chiropractor. These are problems we deal with in our office every day and this was an issue long before this virus forced us into our homes. Chiropractic can safely help kids of all ages have healthy developing spines that feel good on a regular basis. Chiropractic can also help the headaches that result from bad ergonomics due to poor learning and work environments. You can learn more about my office here: https://www.activefamilychiropractic.com
As always, if you are having difficulties with your own spine or your kid's spine, get in touch with my office, I am happy to help. You can even book your appointment online at https://www.activefamilychiropractic.com/booking-calendar