Teen Smartphone Overuse Linked To Spine Pain

Smartphones and tablets are incredible devices that can provide us with information at the push of a button, but overreliance on these technologies can be hard on our spine. According to new research out of Brazil, this is especially true for teens whose spines are still growing and developing.

The study decided to take a closer look at the correlation between smartphone use and onset of thoracic or mid back pain. Researchers analyzed data from high school students between the ages of 14 and 18 years old. After looking at survey responses from 1,393 participants, researchers were able to pinpoint some of the factors that could increase a teen’s risk of developing thoracic back pain. Some of those factors include:

• Using a smartphone for more than three hours a day
• Using a tablet for more than three hours a day
• Lying in a semi-prone position when using the cell phone
• Sitting while using the tablet

While it’s obvious that spine problems at a young age can make life a little more difficult and painful for your child, other studies have taken an even closer look at the impact of thoracic back pain in teens. Research has shown that high school students with regular back pain tend to be more inactive, achieve less academically and have more psychosocial problems, all of which can make their formative years more difficult. It’s imperative that you monitor your teen’s screen time so that they are not at risk for developing thoracic back pain and all the side effects associated with it.

Tech Neck And Spine Pain

We’ve talked about some of the potential issues caused by prolonged cell phone use in the past, as “tech neck” is a growing problem among US adults. When we use a cell phone or a tablet, it’s easy to place the device in our lap and lean our heads forward so that we can view the screen. This forward head positioning puts excess pressure on the upper and middle portion of our spine. It may not seem like a super uncomfortable position, but over time this poor posture positioning can serve to wear down supportive spinal discs and contribute to neck and back pain. It’s important to have ideal posture when using tech devices like phones, tablets and laptops, and to limit our time on these devices. Put the devices down and do something active to help strengthen your spine and body.

We’ve noticed an uptick in neck and spine issues, particularly in younger adults and teens, and we believe that smartphone and tablet use is playing a big role in these new instances of pain. We understand that you need these devices for school and a social life, but know that they are contributing to more cases of spine pain among young people each and every day. Your spine may feel invincible when you’re young, but if you don’t take care of it now, you may be plagued by back issues during your golden years.

If you want to take care of a back problem that is bothering you, or you want to work with a specialist to improve the health of your spine, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at the Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.

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