Tech Neck in Children: Understanding and Addressing a Modern Health Challenge

Tech Neck: A Growing Concern in the Digital Age

As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, a new health concern is emerging, especially among children: tech neck. This condition is caused by prolonged use of electronic devices, leading to neck and shoulder pain, stiffness, and postural issues.

The Causes of Tech Neck in Kids

Tech neck typically results from spending extended periods looking down at smartphones, tablets, or other devices. This posture places undue strain on the neck and shoulders, leading to discomfort and, over time, structural changes in the cervical spine.

Symptoms: More Than Just Discomfort

The most apparent symptoms of tech neck include persistent neck and shoulder pain and stiffness. However, a less visible yet significant impact is the loss of normal cervical lordosis – the natural inward curve of the neck. This alteration can lead to long-term issues, including reduced range of motion and chronic pain.

Chiropractic Care: A Path to Correcting Posture

Chiropractic care offers a promising solution for children suffering from tech neck. Through gentle adjustments, chiropractors can help realign the spine, alleviate pain, and work towards restoring the normal cervical lordosis. These adjustments are tailored to be safe and effective for children, taking into account their growing bodies.

Recreating the Natural Curve

The process of recreating the natural curve in the neck involves a combination of chiropractic adjustments and specific exercises. These exercises are designed to strengthen the neck muscles, improve posture, and support the spine's natural alignment.

Prevention and Education: Key Components

An important aspect of addressing tech neck is prevention. This includes educating children and parents about proper ergonomics when using devices, encouraging regular breaks, and incorporating activities that counterbalance the effects of screen time.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Long-Term Health

Alongside chiropractic treatment, lifestyle changes are essential. Regular physical activity, posture-awareness exercises, and ergonomic adjustments to study or play areas can significantly contribute to alleviating and preventing tech neck.

Conclusion: Nurturing Healthy Habits

By addressing tech neck early in children, we can prevent a host of potential future complications. Chiropractic care, combined with education and lifestyle adjustments, offers a holistic approach to maintaining spinal health in the face of growing technological integration.

Sitting vs. Smoking: A Surprising Health Risk Comparison

The analogy between prolonged sitting and smoking cigarettes may seem far-fetched at first glance. However, emerging research draws startling parallels between the two in terms of health risks. While smoking has long been known for its severe health consequences, the perils of a sedentary lifestyle, particularly extended periods of sitting, are now coming to light.

Studies have shown that sitting for more than six hours a day can lead to a range of health issues, similar in magnitude to the risks posed by smoking. A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer, much like smoking.

For instance, a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that sitting for more than six hours a day was associated with a 19% higher mortality rate compared to those who sat less than three hours a day. Another research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine revealed that prolonged sedentary time is associated with a higher risk of death from all causes, regardless of additional physical activity.

While the comparison to smoking might seem dramatic, it underscores the importance of addressing the sedentary lifestyle endemic in modern society. Here are some tips to mitigate the health risks associated with prolonged sitting:

1. Take Regular Breaks: Standing up and moving around every 30 minutes can reduce the health risks of prolonged sitting. Simple activities like stretching or walking around the office can make a significant difference.

2. Use a Standing Desk: Alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day can help. Standing desks have gained popularity as they allow for better posture and reduced sedentary time.

3. Incorporate Movement into Your Routine: Regular exercise, even as simple as daily walking, can counteract the effects of prolonged sitting. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, as recommended by health guidelines.

4. Practice Good Ergonomics: When sitting, ensure proper ergonomic setup – a chair that supports the lower back, a desk at an appropriate height, and a computer screen at eye level to reduce strain.

5. Mindful Sitting: Be aware of the amount of time you spend sitting each day and make a conscious effort to reduce it where possible. This could mean choosing to stand on public transport or taking a walk during lunch breaks.

The comparison between prolonged sitting and smoking highlights the need to take our sitting habits seriously. By incorporating regular movement into our daily routine and being mindful of our sitting patterns, we can significantly improve our overall health and well-being.

Addressing Achilles Tendinitis: A Runner's Guide to Recovery and Prevention

Achilles Tendinitis: The Runner's Nemesis

Achilles tendinitis, or tendinopathy, is a common affliction among runners and those engaged in regular physical exercise. It manifests as a painful condition in the Achilles tendon, the robust band of tissue that connects calf muscles to the heel bone. Understanding its symptoms and effective treatment options is crucial for athletes and active individuals.

Symptoms: Recognizing Achilles Tendinitis

The hallmark of Achilles tendinitis is tenderness and sometimes swelling in the Achilles tendon area. While the pain might temporarily subside during exercise, it often returns with a vengeance afterward, potentially leading to ongoing disability and impacting daily activities. The discomfort typically centers around the heel and lower calf, where the Achilles tendon resides.

Active Release Technique (ART): A Targeted Approach

One of the solutions for managing Achilles tendinitis is the Active Release Technique (ART). This innovative therapy involves the practitioner using their hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Through specific movements and pressure, ART treats the affected area, breaking up adhesions and restoring normal tissue function.

Shockwave Therapy: A Non-Invasive Solution

Shockwave therapy offers a non-surgical approach to treating Achilles tendinitis. It uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured tendon tissue, promoting blood flow and accelerating the repair process. This therapy is often used when traditional treatments like rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications have not provided sufficient relief.

Eccentric Loading: Strengthening the Achilles Tendon

A key component of rehabilitation is eccentric loading exercises, specifically single-leg eccentric calf raises. This exercise involves standing on a raised surface, like a step, with the ball of the foot on the edge and the heel extending off. The individual slowly lowers their heel below the level of the step, using the unaffected leg to return to the starting position. This controlled movement places a gentle but progressive load on the Achilles tendon, encouraging strengthening without overstraining it.

Implementing a Holistic Recovery Plan

Incorporating these treatments into a holistic recovery plan is essential. Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and modifying activity levels play vital roles in managing symptoms and preventing further injury.

Conclusion: A Path to Pain-Free Running

Achilles tendinitis need not be a permanent hurdle for runners and athletes. With proper treatment, including ART, shockwave therapy, and eccentric loading exercises, along with a comprehensive approach to recovery, individuals can return to their active lifestyles with renewed strength and confidence.

New Year, New You: Embracing Wellness in 2024 with Chiropractic Care

As we welcome 2024, it's the perfect time to set intentions for a healthier, happier year. In the journey towards achieving our wellness goals, chiropractic care emerges as a key ally, offering support not just for pain relief, but for overall health and vitality.

A Holistic Approach to Health

Chiropractic care is rooted in the belief that a well-aligned body is the foundation of good health. Regular adjustments ensure the spine – the backbone of our nervous system – is functioning optimally, facilitating the body's natural healing processes and maintaining overall health.

Goal 1: Enhance Physical Wellbeing

For those aiming to boost physical fitness in 2024, chiropractic care can be instrumental. It helps in enhancing mobility, reducing the risk of injury, and improving athletic performance. Regular adjustments ensure that your body is in prime condition to take on new physical challenges.

Goal 2: Manage Stress Effectively

The past years have highlighted the importance of mental health, and chiropractic care can play a vital role here too. By relieving physical discomfort, chiropractic treatments can reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting a more relaxed and focused mind.

Goal 3: Improve Posture and Ergonomics

With many still adapting to remote or hybrid work models, proper posture and ergonomics have become crucial. Chiropractic care can help correct postural imbalances and offer advice on ergonomic setups, preventing the long-term effects of poor posture.

Goal 4: Boost Immune Health

A less known benefit of chiropractic care is its potential to boost the immune system. By maintaining the health of the nervous system, chiropractic adjustments may contribute to better immune function, a crucial aspect of maintaining health and wellness.

Goal 5: Achieve Better Sleep

Quality sleep is integral to health and wellness. Chiropractic care can contribute to improved sleep by alleviating pain and discomfort that might interfere with a good night’s rest.

Conclusion: Your Wellness Partner for 2024

As we embark on this new year, consider incorporating chiropractic care into your wellness routine. Whether your goals are to stay active, manage stress, improve posture, boost immunity, or sleep better, chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to help you achieve them.

Chronic Shoulder Blade Pain & What To Stop Doing

Chronic shoulder blade pain is a common symptom that can make your day miserable.

The pain is usually unrelenting and can be aggravated with certain postures.

Dr. Adam Markew explains why pain under the shoulder blades commonly happens and two daily repetitive strains that contribute to the chronic nature of this complaint.

Is Chiropractic for Everyone?

The quick answer is no.  It’s not.

But can most people benefit from seeing a chiropractor?  Absolutely.

First off you have to understand what chiropractic is and what you as the patient want out of it.

The confusing part for the public is one chiropractor may practice completely different than the chiropractor down the road.   As the patient if you understand that the style of practice from chiropractor to chiropractor can vary, it’s up to you to know what your goal is before making an appointment.  This will help you have a better fit when you do make a choice.

On the other hand it is up to the chiropractor to explain exactly what they specialize in day to day so you know what type of treatment and techniques will be used.

My goal for patients is to improve their help condition with whatever complaint that brought them in the first place, through chiropractic care, education and empowerment.  Secondary to that is how can we can prevent that same complaint from getting worse and recurring in the future, by giving recommendations and tips to improve their health, with things like nutrition and exercise.

Not all my patient’s goals match my personal goals, which is completely fine.  My main objective is to be as transparent as possible and support the patient for whatever their health goal is.  Whether that is just getting out of pain or something that extends further like improving their health in all aspects of their life.  

I am very honest with what my limitations are.   So if your goal or your current condition would be better served by being referred to a physiotherapist, or massage therapist, or to your family doctor for further testing, I will let you know.  

At the end of the day, everyone can benefit from seeing a chiropractor, but I might not be the best chiropractor for you.