Why Are Singaporean Kids More Likely To Develop Neck Pain Than Other Children In Southeast Asia?

I am a physiotherapist working in private practice. My vocation has made me realise an increasing trend of kids with neck pain. The youngest has been 8, but the majority are between 13-16 years of age. I believe that kids with neck pain are a trend that we will continue to see with potential for even younger clients.

Here are my thoughts on some possible factors unique to Singapore, that may be contributing to this trend of a greater likelihood of kids developing neck pain:

1. IT/Phones

Singapore is one of the most wired-up countries in the world, having one of the highest IT penetration rates. Despite Singapore’s 4 million population, it has 402,992 iPhones, 76575 iPod Touch and 1,453 iPad’s totalling 480,950 iOS devices. Singapore has the highest iOS penetration, in comparison to neighbouring Indonesia which has the lowest.

According to (Infocomm Development Authority) IDA Singapore, in the fourth quarter of 2010, Singapore’s household broadband penetration rate was 191%. This percentage suggests that almost every household had 2 broadband subscriptions. The mobile phone penetration rate is 143%, and the 3G mobile subscription total is an overwhelming 4.7 million.

The statistics alone indicate that the Singaporean lifestyle has changed over the last 10 years. Clearly, it seems to suggest that almost every household has access to a computer, a 3G mobile phone, and possibly a tablet.

Most children in Singapore have access to some IT and are exposed to and taught to use computers in schools. Social networks like Facebook and Twitter is increasingly popular for older kids; and Club Penguin is amongst younger ones. On top of that, there is a myriad of free games available on the iPhone and iPads. As such, children in Singapore spend more time in potential poor postures whilst attending to these IT tasks; and more time indoors than outdoors. This inevitably contributes to greater chances of neck pain.

Apart from the reasons mentioned above, there are other factors that may influence outdoor play.

2. Decrease In Outdoor Play

Firstly, with the oppressive heat and humidity, With a constant daily humidity of 99% and a temperature of 33 degree Celsius it is understandable the kids prefer to stay indoors. Possibly aggravating the problem are the parents who also may not be as willing to accompany the younger ones to the park for the same reason.

Secondly, the lack of open spaces available for free play. Approximately 80% of the population lives in apartments, and the majority of those living in landed properties have little garden space. The physical environment in itself is not conducive to outdoor play.

It is commendable that in most housing estates, there are playgrounds for young children to play, but not much for older kids. You will often see signs that say “no soccer allowed” in the void decks and even some open fields. It is no wonder outdoor play is reduced.

Thirdly, perhaps the majority of households are dual-income, parents are not able to supervise outdoor play and may not want their children to play outdoors on their own.

3. Greater Emphasis On Academic Results; Sports Is Not Seen As A Priority

There is a greater emphasis on academic performance in Singapore, as compared to anywhere else in South East Asia. With no natural resources, the human resource remains its main driving force leaving Singaporeans no choice but to be ahead of the game.

This translates to immense pressure to do well in school. This is because it will likely lead to a good job with a good income, and thus growth for the economy.

As a result, outdoor play or pursuing the ambitions of an elite sports athlete is possibly discouraged in a practical Singapore. Such mindsets are subsequently ingrained in young children and are unlikely to change anytime soon in the future.

4. Parent’s Awareness Of Ergonomics

As children spend increasingly longer time studying or at the computer, it is imperative that as parents, we realize that good ergonomics is paramount in reducing the incidence of back and neck pain in this population.

The study table and chair must, therefore, be of the right height. The child’s back must be fully rested against the back of the chair, and feet completely supported on the floor. The table height should be lowered such that the child’s elbow can be at 90’ angle when rested on the table. The table should be inclined when reading so that the child need not droop their head forward to read. Investing in an ergonomic table and chair is a worthwhile investment for your child’s spinal health.

If the child has to spend a fair bit of time on the laptop, buy a laptop riser, a separate keyboard and a mouse. Using a laptop without ergonomic modification will result in excessive loading in the neck joints leading to pain.

If your child is complaining of back or neck pain, consult your nearest Core concepts branch for advice and treatment.

Experiencing neck pain? Click here to find out more about physiotherapy for neck pain relief and how Core Concepts physiotherapists can help