Smartphone use and kids leads to aches and pains
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- They're not growing pains.
Instead, they're aches and strains caused by how kids use their smartphones and tablets. And doctors say they're seeing more and more of these issues.
Devon Davis says he uses his phone all the time. Talking, snapping and texting until his thumbs can't take it anymore.
"I started texting and my thumb was hurting. So I said there's something wrong. So I stop texting. And I told my mom," said 14-year-old Davis.
Parents are turning to doctors and chiropractors to help.
Dr. Stephen Jung says he's seeing more and more young patients with the same cell-phone induced pains.
He treats them using a therapy called "The Graston Technique." He scraped the fascia tissue, which lines the muscles, with stainless steel tools.
The technique irons out knots in the fascia tissue and increases blood flow to the area.
"It hurts to an extent, but it's kind of like it intensified version of a massage," said Dr. Jung.
Dr. Jung says to avoid technology strains on the body you need to stretch. That includes your thumbs and fingers. And hold your phone at eye level so you don't strain your neck and back.
"It hurts to an extent, but it's kind of like it intensified version of a massage," said Dr. Jung.
Dr. Jung says other patients also suffer from neck, shoulder and back pain because of prolonged cell phone use.
Dr. Jung says every morning before cell phone use, it's important to stretch your neck, back, thumbs and fingers. Dr. Jung says it's also important to drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet, and get plenty of sleep.
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