New Delhi: Myofascial pain in children is also called “trigger point pain.” It can be regarded as a chronic condition, which is owed to its origin from the formation of sensitive areas within muscles called trigger points. Mass use of cell phones, tablet computers, and laptops inside schools has recently been identified as a new cause of this type of pain. This growing concern of myofascial pain among children was much worse because the full-blown COVID-19 pandemic turned out to be an excuse for shifting to virtual learning and digital entertainment, the best catalyst for such an issue.
It can occur at any child’s age, but it is very common among those who remain idle or do some job repetitively for hours together. The hours spent bending forward with devices generate tension in the neck, back, and shoulder muscles. Such activities may also result in tightness and the formation of trigger points, which are painful knots that sometimes can refer pain to another part of the body if one does not take breaks while doing such activities.
In an interaction with , Dr Shiji Chalipat Consultant Pediatric Neurologist, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, explained what myofascial pain is and how it affects children.
The key features of myofascial pain in children are listed below:
- Muscle Hardening and Tightening: It usually starts with muscle tightening of the neck, shoulder, and back.
- Localized Pain: It can be localized pain at specific trigger points but often presents at other areas as well.
- Headaches: Tension-type headaches usually are found at the rear or side of the head, near the temples as common, and are typically caused by tension in the muscles of the neck or shoulder.
- Loss of Mobility: He or she will be stiff and painful even while making simple moves such as turning his or her head or lifting their arms.
- Increased Sensitivity to Trigger Points: Compression of the areas where a cluster of painful muscle areas exists is called trigger points. He may feel a knifing pain when touched on trigger points.
- Sleep Disturbance: Chronic pain will disturb sleep, thus making the child tired and worsening the pain.
- The psychological impact: Pain has a history of persistence; therefore, it will affect mood, cause irritation or anxiety, or stress, and affect academic performance and mental health.
Parents can be proactive so that their children spend lesser amounts of time on screens and reduce the potential risk of getting myofascial pain. Regular breaks and better posture, with the use of ergonomic devices, would help avoid muscle strain. Healthy indulgence in physical activity and engagement in hobbies not involving a screen will prevent this condition from developing in children.
Increased screen time requires parents, educators, and healthcare professionals to be more cognizant of the risk to myofascial pain to protect children’s musculoskeletal health. A sensitized environment against the risks caused by the overuse of screens is essential in ensuring that children do not pose themselves to long-term potential health problems arising from the use of screens while providing preventive measures through education, improvements in ergonomics, preventive policies related to health, and community initiatives towards healthier lifestyles.
