Docs see rise in number of children with backache, pain in hands and wrists.
A seven-year-old boy suffering from severe migraine was brought to Bombay Hospital a few days ago.
After the doctors examined him, they were shocked to find the reason behind it — a smartphone.
“We did X-rays and the other tests but couldn’t pinpoint the problem. Only when his smartphone went for a repair, did we figure out that the excessive use of smartphone was the problem,” said Dr Mukesh Sanklecha, consultant paediatrician, Bombay Hospital. The boy’s headaches reduced during this period. He got his first phone tablet at the age of 4 and since then he has been hooked on to it.
Doctors have been seeing a rise in similar cases. Children complain of pain in the hands or wrists, a feeling of numbness in the second or third finger or having a weak grip. “In last two to three years, the problem has become common among children using smartphones. Back pain among children between seven and 16 years has increased three-fold,” said Dr Sanklecha.
Doctors said children come to them with neck and back pain. This shows that the kids are so engrossed in the gadget that they end up in wrong postures for long periods.
Dr Sanklecha said that holding one’s head down for a long time stresses the neck and upper back muscles, causing fatigue, muscle spasm and headaches. This might lead to a host of other problems.
Doctors said if the postural deformities in children is not treated on time, it can have serious implication. “Children prefer playing on their smart phones even after they have gone to bed. They like playing games on phones while lying down and they keep adjusting their shoulders. This leads to shoulder and finger pain,” said Dr Nitin Shah, consultant paediatrician at PD Hinduja Hospital.
American Academy of Paediatricians recommends that children below 12 years should spend less than 30 minutes in front of the phone screen.
“The neck pain, back pain and postural problems can be treated with a set of specific exercises, physiotherapy and medication that includes muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Parents need to pay attention that the child doesn’t lead a sedentary lifestyle,” said Dr Uday Nadkarni, consulting paediatrician, SevenHills Hospital.
Doctors said counselling plays a key role in treating kids.
“Most paediatricians either refer the children to a counsellor or become a counsellor as it is more of a behavioural problem,” added Dr Sanklecha. Doctors also suggest that parents should take a decision on when to buy their children phone. “It is a new-age disease. Parents should avoid giving a smartphone to children at an early age,” said Dr Sanklecha.
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