Children and Adults Facing Higher Risk of Text Neck, Chiropractor Explains

Collinsville, OK – Hedlund Family Chiropractic in Collinsville, Oklahoma, reports a dramatic increase in patients seeking treatment for neck pain related to digital device usage. The practice addresses what medical professionals term “text neck” syndrome, a condition affecting people of all ages who spend extended periods using smartphones, tablets, and computers.

Chiropractor Near You in Collinsville Explains Text Neck Science

Hedlund Family Chiropractic educates patients about the biomechanical factors contributing to digital device neck pain. Forward head posture dramatically increases the effective weight of the human head on the cervical spine structures.

This increased load strains neck muscles, ligaments, and joints beyond their normal capacity. Prolonged exposure creates muscle fatigue, joint restriction, and chronic pain patterns throughout the cervical region.

Common symptoms identified by the chiropractor include:

• Gradual onset of neck pain that worsens with device usage

• Morning stiffness from poor positioning habits

• Tension headaches originating from tight neck muscles

• Shoulder blade pain from compensatory muscle tension

• Arm tingling or numbness from compressed nerve pathways

Emergency Chiropractor Services Address Severe Cases

Hedlund Family Chiropractic provides urgent care services for patients experiencing severe digital device-related injuries. Certain symptoms require immediate professional attention to prevent permanent damage to neural structures.

Sudden onset of severe neck pain following device usage may indicate acute muscle strain or joint dysfunction requiring prompt treatment. Sharp, stabbing pain that limits head movement needs professional evaluation to determine appropriate intervention strategies.

Numbness or tingling that spreads into both arms suggests serious nerve involvement requiring urgent care from an emergency chiropractor. Bilateral symptoms may indicate potential spinal cord irritation that requires immediate professional assessment.

Headaches accompanied by neck pain, nausea, or vision changes require prompt medical attention. These symptoms might indicate more serious conditions requiring immediate intervention and professional evaluation.

Chiropractor for Children Addresses Developmental Concerns

The practice reports particular concern about digital device usage among young patients. Children as young as two years old regularly use tablets and smartphones for education and entertainment purposes.

According to Common Sense Media research, children ages 8-12 use screens an average of 4-6 hours daily. Teenagers use screens up to 9 hours per day outside of school requirements. This extensive usage occurs during critical spinal development periods.

Growing spines are particularly vulnerable to postural stresses created by digital device usage. Poor positioning habits established during childhood often persist throughout adult life without proper intervention.

The chiropractor for children addresses these problems before they become permanent patterns affecting long-term spinal health. School-age children carry additional risk factors, including heavy backpacks and prolonged sitting, that combine with device usage.

Professional Treatment Approaches for Young Patients

Pediatric treatment requires specialized techniques adapted for developing skeletal systems. The practice uses gentle approaches that accommodate children’s flexible joint structures while providing effective pain relief.

Key pediatric treatment methods include:

• Modified spinal adjustment techniques for developing skeletal systems

• Ergonomic education for proper device positioning during homework

• Parent guidance about workstation modifications for children

• Gentle stretching exercises appropriate for young patients

• Behavioral modifications to reduce prolonged device usage periods

Treatment plans for young patients include ergonomic education to modify device usage habits. Parents receive guidance about proper positioning techniques and workstation modifications that support better posture during homework and recreational activities.

Chiropractic Care for Working Adults in Collinsville, OK

Working adults in Collinsville, OK often experience unique neck pain from spending all day on digital devices. Both office and remote workers spend hours on computers, phones, and tablets, frequently in setups without proper ergonomic support.

Constantly switching between devices puts significant stress on the neck, causing muscle fatigue. Work-related stress can also increase muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, making the problem worse.

The treatment begins with a detailed analysis of the patient’s work habits and an examination of the neck’s movement and strength. Spinal adjustments are then applied to restore joint mobility, while gentle soft tissue therapy relieves muscle tension and improves circulation, providing lasting relief from pain and stiffness.

Prevention Strategies Recommended by Family Chiropractor

Your family chiropractor recommends prevention strategies to help reduce neck strain from using digital devices.

Adjusting the screen height to eye level is a simple way to start. It is also recommended to follow the 20-20-20 rule, which involves looking away from the screen every 20 minutes to focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This practice helps rest the eyes and reduces postural strain.

Other strategies include:

• Using an external keyboard and mouse with laptops for better posture.

• Performing daily stretches for your neck and shoulders to counteract prolonged forward head posture.

• Taking regular movement breaks throughout the day.

• Creating an ergonomic workstation that properly supports your posture.

These simple changes can make a big difference in preventing long-term problems.

 

Professional Care Available at Hedlund Family Chiropractic

You can find professional help for digital device-related neck pain at Hedlund Family Chiropractic in Collinsville. Dr. Justin Hedlund provides thorough evaluations and personalized care for patients of all ages, addressing both symptoms and the root causes of technology-related health issues.

As your trusted chiropractor near you, they offer flexible scheduling to fit busy family life. Treatment combines hands-on therapy with education to provide lasting relief from pain, help prevent long-term problems, and support family health in the digital age. Contact Hedlund Family Chiropractic today to schedule a complete evaluation.

Contact Information:

Hedlund Family Chiropractic (HFC Collinsville)

123 N 7th St Suite 1
Collinsville, OK 74021
United States

Justin Hedlund
(918) 205-9939