Why is Neck Pain Increasing in Children?
Neck pain has been a common complaint adults have had for as long as we can remember, but in recent years there seems to be a surge of children suffering from the problem. The latest research suggests that as many as one in five children suffers from neck pain on occasion. For some children, the problem is chronic.
You might wonder what is causing this epidemic of neck pain in our youth today, and you can probably guess the culprit: modern technology. Children these days spend less time outdoors or engaged in physical activity, and more time with their heads down as they stare at a screen. Sedentary lifestyles and unnatural postures are taking their toll on kids, and without intervention, it poses a serious health risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Neck Pain in Children
Neck pain generally involves, as the term suggests, pain in the neck area. For some children, it may be tenderness or stiffness of the neck. Others may experience a dull ache, or even shooting pains. Neck pain may cause tense muscles and restrict the child’s range of motion.
Another common symptom of neck pain is headaches. In time, without treatment, headaches may increase in frequency and severity.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Effects Neck Pain in Children
The top seven vertebrae, which start at the base of the skull and run down the neck, make up the upper cervical spine. The neck is a delicate area, making this part of the spine especially prone to injuries from rough play, sports, accidents, and falls. Injuries may cause misalignments of the vertebrae.
Because the upper cervical spine is responsible for holding up the weight of the head, poor posture can also cause injury and misalignments in this area. When children text or play hand-held video games, they tend to slouch with their heads leaning forward and pointing downward. This unnatural position puts stress on all the vertebrae in the neck and can result in misalignments.
Misalignments can cause inflammation of the joints, muscles, and tissue in the neck. This can also cause compressed nerves that disrupt the flow of signals between the brain and body. Because children are still growing and their musculoskeletal system is still developing, these misalignments pose a risk for degenerative conditions of the spine and central nervous system later in life.
How We Treat Neck Pain in Children
Doctors commonly treat the symptoms of neck pain with pain medication, however, there is a non-invasive, drug-free, natural treatment for this condition. Chiropractic care can help restore the spine’s natural alignment, correcting the underlying cause of neck pain.
Most people think of jarring jolts and twists when they think of traditional chiropractors, but Dr. Noah Kaplan is a specialist in the Blair Chiropractic Technique. This technique utilizes advanced diagnostic tools to calculate precise misalignments, and low-pressure manipulations to correct them, making it safe for adults and children of all ages.
Dr. Kaplan is a board-certified member of the Blair Chiropractic Society. He is the owner of Advance Upper Cervical Chiropractic, the only upper cervical treatment center in Walnut Creek and the entire East Bay area to utilize Cone Beam computed tomography (CBCT). These 3D diagnostic scans are the key to more precise, gentle, and effective treatments.
If your child has been suffering from neck pain, talk to Dr. Kaplan to nip the problem in the bud and prevent further complications. Dr. Kaplan is located in Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Kaplan also services Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore.
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