OVER USE OF SMARTPHONE CAN LEAD TO BACK PAIN AND MORE

        A Growing Concern With the increasing prevalence of smart phones, tablets, and other digital devices, children and teenagers are spending more time than ever before staring at screens. While this technology has many benefits, it can also have a negative impact on spinal health.

The study conducted by Brazilian researchers, funded by FAPESP, found that looking at screens for more than three hours a day, having the eyes too close to the screen, and sitting or lying on the stomach were all risk factors for thoracic spine pain (TSP). TSP is a type of back pain that affects the thoracic spine, which is located at the back of the chest between the shoulder blades.

        The study's findings are concerning, as TSP can have a significant impact on children's quality of life. It can cause pain, discomfort, and limitations in physical activities, leading to decreased participation in sports and other activities. In severe cases, it can also lead to depression and anxiety.

It is crucial for parents and caregivers to take steps to protect their children's spinal health. Here are some strategies that can help

• Set Limits on Screen Time: Limiting screen time to no more than three hours a day can help reduce the risk of TSP. Encourage your child to engage in other activities that promote physical activity and social interaction.
• Promote Good Posture: Encourage your child to maintain good posture while using digital devices. This includes sitting up straight, keeping both feet on the ground, and keeping the screen at eye level.
• Take Breaks: Encourage your child to take frequent breaks from screen time to stretch and move around. Sitting in one position for long periods can lead to stiffness and pain.
• Provide Ergonomic Equipment: Consider investing in ergonomic equipment, such as a chair with good back support or a standing desk. These types of equipment can help promote good posture and reduce the risk of TSP.
• Educate Your Child: Teach your child about the importance of spinal health and the risks associated with poor posture. Encourage them to take an active role in maintaining good spinal health.

        The impact of screen time on children's spinal health is a growing concern. The study conducted by Brazilian researchers highlights the need for parents and caregivers to take steps to protect their children's spinal health. By setting limits on screen time, promoting good posture, taking breaks, providing ergonomic equipment, and educating your child, you can help reduce the risk of TSP and promote a healthy spine.

The Importance Risk Factors for Thoracic Spine Pain

        As electronic devices become more ubiquitous in our daily lives, it is crucial to pay attention to their impact on our physical health. One area of concern is the potential for thoracic spine pain (TSP), which can result from poor posture and extended screen time. A recent study conducted by Brazilian researchers highlights the need to address risk factors for TSP in high school students, as the prevalence of this issue is high and can have negative impacts on academic performance and psychosocial well-being.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors

            The study focused on 14- to 18-year-old male and female students in the first and second years of high school in Bauru, Sao Paulo state. The researchers found that TSP was reported by 38.4 percent of participants in both the baseline and follow-up surveys, with a one-year incidence of 10.1 percent. Additionally, more girls than boys reported TSP.

The risk factors for TSP identified in the study include looking at screens for more than three hours a day, sitting or lying on the stomach, and proximity of the eyes to the screen. These factors can lead to poor posture and strain on the thoracic spine, causing pain and discomfort.

The Importance of Addressing TSP

            The negative impacts of TSP on high school students are significant. Children and adolescents with back pain are more likely to be inactive, achieve less academically, and have more psychosocial problems. Therefore, addressing risk factors for TSP is crucial to improving overall health and well-being in this population.

Moreover, there is a lack of research on TSP compared to lower back and neck pain, highlighting the importance of further investigation in this area. By addressing risk factors for TSP in high school students, we can improve our understanding of this issue and develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Addressing TSP in Health Education Programs

            Health education programs for school students, teachers, staff, and parents can play a vital role in addressing risk factors for TSP. These programs can provide information on proper posture and ergonomics, as well as promote physical activity and healthy screen-time habits.

In Brazil, the National Curriculum Parameters (PCN) provide guidelines for secondary schools to promote health education, including identifying risks to individual and collective health and interventions to combat them, as well as promoting self-care habits with regard to the body's possibilities and limits. By incorporating information on TSP into these guidelines, we can improve the overall health and well-being of high school students.

        The study conducted by Brazilian researchers highlights the need to address risk factors for TSP in high school students. With the prevalence of TSP increasing due to extended screen time and poor posture, it is crucial to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. Health education programs for school students, teachers, staff, and parents can play a vital role in promoting healthy habits and preventing TSP. By addressing this issue, we can improve the overall health and well-being of high school students.