From texting and scrolling to gaming and doing homework on a laptop, kids today are spending more time than ever sitting. The result? Significant postural stress. In particular, we see lots of young patients showing up with forward head posture, neck tension, and even chronic headaches.

“So with devices and kids looking down at their screens, we’re starting to see that the cervical curve in the head is actually going in the wrong direction,” explains Dr. Julia Platt. “That leads to postural imbalances and misalignments in the upper neck.”

Over time, those imbalances can contribute to symptoms like poor focus, irritability, or even digestive issues. That’s because the spine plays a key role in supporting the nervous system—your child’s command center for everything from mood to movement.

What to Watch For

Some signs of spinal misalignment are easy to overlook in kids. Keep an eye out for shoulder or hip imbalance, head tilt, frequent tripping, or complaints of headaches. For younger children, chronic ear infections or unexplained fatigue may be subtle signs that the nervous system isn’t regulating as smoothly as it should.

Backpack Tips and Screen Time Rules

Backpacks are a major culprit when it comes to spine stress. Make sure your child’s backpack weighs no more than 15 percent of their body weight and fits snugly against the back. Both straps should always be worn to distribute the load evenly (because let’s be honest, they’re not lifting with their knees).

As for screen time, limit long sessions and encourage breaks every 30 minutes. “For every inch forward you take your head down in a forward head posture, it adds up to 10 pounds of pressure to the spine,” says Dr. Julia. That pressure builds up quickly, especially during marathon homework sessions or late-night YouTube or TikTok watching.

How Chiropractic Can Help Kids Thrive

Gentle chiropractic care can help support proper development and nervous system regulation from infancy through adolescence. “We recommend starting as early as birth because we know the birth process can create stress in the upper neck, specifically, and in the nervous system,” says Dr. Julia. Care is tailored to each child’s age, needs, and growth stage—from crawling and walking to managing the stress of sports or academics.

Regular wellness checkups can also help Charleston kids stay ahead of problems before they show up as pain or difficulty concentrating. And yes, even teens can benefit from small, consistent adjustments that help them stay strong and focused through the ups and downs of the school year.