Supporting Teen Posture in the Age of Screens and Sports

Today’s teens are more active—and more connected—than ever. Between schoolwork on laptops, time on phones, and busy sports schedules, their bodies are under constant physical demand. While activity is great, the combination of screen time and sports can quietly create postural issues that affect performance, comfort, and long-term spinal health.

At Lolo Wellness, we often see teens with neck, shoulder, and back tension that stems from this exact mix. The good news? With early awareness and proper care, these issues are very manageable.

📱 The Screen-Time Posture Problem

Teens spend hours each day looking down at phones, tablets, and laptops. This posture—often called “tech neck”—places excess strain on the neck, shoulders, and upper back.

Over time, this can lead to:

• Forward head posture

• Rounded shoulders

• Neck and upper back pain

• Headaches

• Reduced mobility

When these patterns become habitual, they can carry into sports and training, increasing the risk of strain or injury.

🏃‍♂️ How Sports Can Add to the Load

While sports are excellent for physical development, they also place repetitive stress on growing bodies. Many teen athletes:

• Train multiple times per week

• Specialize in one sport year-round

• Repeat the same movements (skating, throwing, jumping, running)

If posture is already compromised from screen use, sports can amplify imbalances—leading to tight muscles, joint restrictions, and uneven movement patterns.

🦴 Why Posture Matters for Teen Athletes

Good posture supports:

• Better balance and coordination

• Stronger movement mechanics

• Improved breathing and endurance

• Reduced risk of overuse injuries

Poor posture, on the other hand, can limit performance and slow recovery—even if pain hasn’t shown up yet.

💡 How Chiropractic Can Help Teens

At Lolo Wellness, chiropractic care for teens is gentle, targeted, and focused on function—not just symptoms.

Chiropractic care can help:

• Improve spinal alignment and mobility

• Reduce muscle tension from screens and sports

• Support healthy growth during key developmental years

• Enhance athletic performance and recovery

• Prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems

We also work closely with families to provide guidance on posture, stretching, and movement habits at home and school.

🤝 A Team-Based Approach to Care

For many teens, chiropractic care works best when combined with:

• Massage therapy to relax tight muscles

• Acupuncture to support recovery and nervous system balance

• Simple at-home posture and mobility exercises

This well-rounded approach helps teens feel better, move better, and stay active.

🌱 Supporting Your Teen’s Long-Term Health

Posture habits formed in the teenage years often carry into adulthood. Addressing issues early helps set teens up for a healthier, more resilient future—both in sports and daily life.

If your teen is active, growing quickly, or spending a lot of time on screens, a posture and movement assessment can be a valuable step.