My child has trouble concentrating at school: what if his neck is to blame?

A child with a sore neck or headache has a harder time paying attention in class. The pain takes up a lot of their attention. Before concluding that the child lacks motivation, it’s important to consider what their body is going through during the school day.

Let’s imagine Léa, who is 9 years old. On Tuesday evening, her mother closes her math workbook after having gone over the same page three times. Léa rubs the back of her neck. She says her head hurts, just like it does almost every evening after school.

Difficulty concentrating can have many possible causes, and most of them are not within the scope of chiropractic care. At the Clinique Chiro Ste-Rose, at Sainte-Rose in Laval, our role is more specific: to assess the child’s neck, back, and posture, and then tell you honestly whether we can help improve their well-being.

Why can neck pain interfere with concentration in class?

Even mild pain draws attention to itself. A child with a stiff neck or an afternoon headache devotes some of their energy to that discomfort. They have less energy left for the dictation or the math problem.

Children rarely describe pain the way adults do. Instead, they say things like, «My neck feels weird,» «It’s tight behind my head,» or «I don’t like sitting like this.» These comments deserve to be taken seriously.

What causes headaches that originate in the neck in children?

Some headaches originate in the joints and muscles of the neck and then radiate to the head. These are known as cervicogenic headaches. In children, they often occur at the end of the day, after spending long periods of time in the same position.

Several habits common during school-age years put strain on the neck:

• keeping one's head bent over a notebook or tablet for a long time; ;
• a backpack worn over one shoulder; ;
• screens used while lying down, with the neck bent forward; ;
• a fall while biking or a collision during sports—even one you may have forgotten.

These situations do not always cause pain. As they accumulate, neck mobility may decrease, and the muscles that support the neck have to work harder.

What signs should you look for at home?

First sign: Your child complains of headaches at the end of the day, especially on days when he or she has done a lot of writing or spent a lot of time in front of a screen.

Second sign: He often keeps his head turned or tilted to one side, or he complains of a stiff neck when he wakes up.

Third sign: While doing homework, he constantly changes positions, rests his head in his hands, or slumps over the table.

If you recognize your child in at least two of these signs, an evaluation of their neck and posture can help determine what is going on.

What does a chiropractor do, and what doesn't he or she do?

The chiropractor evaluates the neuromusculoskeletal system: neck and back mobility, posture, strength, and reflexes. If a dysfunction is detected, the chiropractor recommends treatment tailored to the child’s age, as well as posture advice.

It does not assess concentration, learning, or behavior. If a child continues to have difficulty concentrating, it is advisable to consult the child’s doctor or the professional who works with the child at school. Our services are not a substitute for these steps.

How can you improve your study habits starting tonight?

A few simple exercises can help relieve neck strain while doing homework:

• a chair that allows you to keep your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest; ;
• a table at elbow height, so you don't have to shrug your shoulders; ;
• a notebook or tablet held slightly above eye level, so that your head stays upright; ;
• regular breaks to stand up, walk around, and move your shoulders; ;
• a backpack worn on both shoulders, fitted snugly against the back.

Is it safe for a child?

The techniques used for children differ from those used for adults. They are gentle, tailored to the child’s age and stage of development, and may involve the use of an instrument when it is more comfortable.

Before any treatment begins, a comprehensive evaluation determines what can be addressed through chiropractic care and what should be referred to another professional. If your child’s condition falls outside our area of expertise, we will let you know and refer you to the appropriate specialist.

What happens during the first visit?

The visit begins with a conversation with you and your child: their study habits, their activities, and the times when they feel uncomfortable.

Next comes the evaluation: standing and sitting posture, neck and back mobility, and an age-appropriate neurological exam. If necessary, an X-ray can be taken on site.

By the end of the visit, you’ll know whether your child is a good candidate for chiropractic care. If not, we’ll explain why and refer you to the right resource.

Frequently asked questions from parents

This content is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for an evaluation by a healthcare professional.