Just like adults, children, adolescents, and young adults are experiencing symptoms related to neck (cervical) instability—often due to excessive use of tablets, cell phones, and other devices that encourage forward head posture. At Caring Medical, we are seeing more young patients affected by this issue, and unless parents take proactive steps, this growing epidemic will only continue.
The Rising Screen-Time Problem
With mobile devices becoming a staple in daily life, children are exposed to screen use at younger ages than ever before. Recent statistics show just how widespread tablet ownership is among young children:
- 2 years old – 40%
- 4 years old – 58%
- 6 years old – 62%
- 8 years old – 68%
As children spend more time looking down at screens, the strain on their developing spines increases, leading to postural problems and cervical instability. Studies show that children and adolescents spend 5–7 hours per day with their necks in a flexed forward position while using their devices—totaling 1,825 to 2,555 hours annually.¹ This prolonged posture significantly increases the risk of developing neck pain and other musculoskeletal issues.
As parents, we often catch our kids slouching at the dinner table or looking down while watching their tablets, or even during study time. I recently noticed my child staring down at his screen for over 30 minutes, and I realized how important it is to address this posture issue, especially when it comes to their spine health.
Slouching or looking down at screens can feel harmless in the moment, but it has serious long-term effects, particularly on the cervical curve (the natural curve in the neck). When our kids constantly look down, it can misalign the cervical spine, leading to discomfort, pain, and even more significant problems as they grow older.
Think about the size of your head for a moment. The weight of a human head on the spine is around 10-12 pounds.However, when your head is tilted forward, the weight and pressure on your spine increase significantly! For example, tilting your head forward by 45 degrees can increase the pressure to 49 pounds.
That is A LOT of extra weight the cervical spine of a child.
Symptoms of Cervical Instability in Children
Cervical instability can cause a wide range of symptoms that may seem unrelated, making it difficult for parents to pinpoint the cause. Common symptoms include:
- Neurological & Cognitive Issues – Anxiety, memory problems, cognitive impairment, difficulty sleeping, seizures, irritability.
- Balance & Coordination Problems – Dizziness, vertigo, drop attacks, balance difficulties.
- Head & Neck Symptoms – Headaches, migraines, neck pain/stiffness, muscle spasms, feeling the need to "crack" the neck.
- Ear, Eye & Throat Issues – Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), ear pain, visual disturbances, speech difficulties, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
- Other Concerns – Fatigue, nausea, radiating pain into the arms/shoulders, temporary relief with a neck brace.
Why Are These Symptoms Overlooked?
Many parents struggle to understand why their child is experiencing these symptoms. Unfortunately, children are often misdiagnosed and placed on medications that mask the symptoms rather than address the root cause—which is often cervical instability.
Research has linked prolonged device use to increased forward head posture, which is strongly associated with neck pain, limited cervical range of motion, and musculoskeletal symptoms.² Another study found that children who spend an average of 4 hours per day on smartphones maintain a flexed head and neck posture even 30 minutes after device use, demonstrating the long-term impact of poor posture.³
The “Text Neck” Epidemic
The term "Text Neck" describes the posture children develop from looking down at their screens for long periods. This position, with the head tilted forward and shoulders rounded, places excessive strain on the cervical spine, increasing the risk of chronic pain, postural dysfunction, and instability.⁴
The Mayo Clinic has reported that bending the head forward at a 45-degree angle while using a device dramatically increases stress on the cervical spine, worsening the effects of poor posture and increasing the likelihood of developing “tech neck.”⁵
What Happens When Kids look down at tablets or phones?
- Muscle Strain: Looking down places more stress on the muscles around the neck and back. These muscles, if overworked, can become tight and fatigued, leading to chronic discomfort.
- Posture Problems: If kids continue looking down for years, it can lead to poor posture patterns that are harder to correct later in life. The habit of looking down may affect how they carry themselves, both in childhood and adulthood.
- Neck and Back Pain: Ongoing looking down can lead to discomfort in the neck, upper back, and shoulders. It can also lead to more serious issues like herniated discs or nerve compression over time.
What Can You Do As A Parent?
The good news is that cervical instability can often be corrected with postural changes, lifestyle modifications, and targeted treatment. Parents play a crucial role in helping their children:
- Encourage better posture – Limit screen time, ensure screens are at eye level, and promote good sitting habits.
- Incorporate movement – Encourage physical activity and exercises that strengthen the neck and spine.
- Seek proper evaluation – At Caring Medical, we specialize in diagnosing and treating cervical instability using advanced imaging and comprehensive assessments to identify the root cause and develop a personalized treatment plan.
If your child is experiencing unexplained symptoms, cervical instability could be the missing piece of the puzzle. One study found that 20–30% of children experience musculoskeletal discomfort related to screen use, highlighting the widespread impact of this issue.⁶
Take Action Today
The sooner cervical instability is addressed, the better the chances of preventing long-term complications. If you suspect your child may be struggling with symptoms related to cervical instability or "text neck," contact Caring Medical today to schedule an evaluation and learn about effective treatment options.
Hear from one of our patients, Caleb!
When you think of childhood seizures, your first thought is not cervical instability, however, certain seizure disorders in children can be caused by degeneration of the cervical spine. Hours of looking down at tablets and cell phones can place kids' necks in dangerous positions and put them at higher risk of developing health disorders.
In today's world of screens, it is becoming an epidemic and has unfortunately created a scary problem for our friend and patient, Caleb.
References
- Straker L, Harris C, Joosten J, Howie EK. Mobile technology dominates school children's IT use in an advantaged school community and is associated with musculoskeletal and visual symptoms. Ergonomics. 2018;61(5):658-669. doi:10.1080/00140139.2017.1401672.
- Alghadir AH, Zafar H, Iqbal ZA. The association between forward head posture and neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Healthcare (Basel). 2022;10(3):419. doi:10.3390/healthcare10030419.
- Kim MS. Influence of smartphone use on spinal posture and respiratory function. J Phys Ther Sci. 2016;28(1):74-78. doi:10.1589/jpts.28.74.
- Hansraj KK. Assessment of stresses in the cervical spine caused by posture and position of the head. Surg Technol Int. 2014;25:277-279.
- Mayo Clinic Health System. Effect of technology on your neck. Speaking of Health. Published February 1, 2018. Accessed March 2025. Available at: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/effect-of-technology-on-your-neck.
- Silva AG, Queirós A. Occupational and leisure-time activities associated with pain and musculoskeletal symptoms in children and adolescents: A systematic review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(4):646. doi:10.3390/ijerph16040646.