WHY YOUR CHILD NEEDS AN ERGONOMIC SET UP FOR VIRTUAL LEARNING IN COLORADO SPRINGS

More and more doctors across the board are reporting that neck, shoulder and back pain in children is significantly rising. The reason behind that back pain has been credited to the very computer you are using as you read this blog post. Computer and other electronics have become ingrained into the upbringing of children. Now that many parents and schools are making the decision to educate children online from the safety of their homes, we know that the rise of back pain, neck pain and shoulder issues in children is only going to increase. Spinal related problems in Colorado Springs are bound to spike as children spend more and more time sitting in front of their computers and tablets.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MY CHILDREN in Colorado Springs?

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have been noted to be one of the most problematic issues for those who spend hours on their computers or looking down at their phones and tablets.. According to the European Journal of Public Health, “Low back pain (LBP) and neck pain (NP) are significant health problems not only in adults but also in the young. In studies exploring populations of 300 children or more,1 the lifetime prevalence of LBP has ranged from 30% to 51%. NP has emerged as one of the most common pain symptoms and the most persistent musculoskeletal pain symptom.2,3 In adolescence, 15–30% suffer from weekly NP and 1–15% from weekly LBP.4–6.”

WHAT CAN WE DO TO FIX THIS?

We have entered into a time where avoiding computer and online education is simply not possible. As a parent, we know the first job is to do whatever is the best for the sake of our children, especially when it comes to their health. Since this puts children at a much higher risk of developing back-related problems, making sure to find ways to avoid it is a priority.

Make sure your child has an ergonomic setup. The average worker spends about 8 hours in front of the computer desk every single day. Using an ergonomic set up has drastically decreased back and spinal related problems and lowered the risks of developing other sedentary habits.

WHEN CHOOSING AN ERGONOMIC SET UP FOR YOUR CHILD, IT IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT SEVERAL KEY ELEMENTS:

1. Will your child be sitting, standing, or both? Studies have shown that both too much standing and too much sitting can drastically affect your overall health, including that of your children. A good rule of thumb is to switch between sitting and standing every 20 minutes or so. Choosing a desk that can be converted between the two can significantly decrease your chances of developing back pain and spinal related issues due to sedentary habits.
2. What is the proper height for your child’s computer? Computers and other electronics should always be kept at eye level. Having a computer that is set up too high crane’s the head in an awkward position that places stress on the entire spine. Alternatively, placing your computer too low tilts the head in what we call a “text neck” position. This position has been proven to add extra weight to both the neck and spine resulting in neck and back-related issues, headaches, migraines, and more.
3. What if I can’t afford an ergonomic desk for my child? The amazing thing about using an ergonomic set up is that you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a desk. Startstanding.org, an organization dedicated to helping others avoid a sedentary lifestyle,has an incredible guide for creating your own DIY ergonomic desk that you can rig up from everyday items found in your home. Click here to read.

BUT, WHAT IF MY CHILD ALREADY SUFFERS FROM COMPUTER RELATED BACK PAIN?

First things first, it’s okay. While it is incredibly important to change the everyday habits that lead to children suffering from back pain, it is also important to know the back pain can be fixed. It’s not too late. Our doctors at True North Health Center in Colorado Springs see children of all ages. If your child is suffering from computer-related back or neck pain, or even headaches and migraines, our team is here to help. Follow this link to Book our New Patient Special for only $47 or give our team a call at (719) 301-5781. We cannot wait to serve you!