Prolonged use of digital devices damaging spines of kids as young as 10

Prolonged use of handheld devices is causing spinal deformities in children as young as 10, it has been revealed.

Auckland chiropractor, Margaret Bryce is concerned by the increase in the number of people coming to her with straighten of the neck curve problems, Stuff.co.nz reported.

The curve, which is developed among infants during "tummy time" when they are placed on their stomachs and naturally practise lifting their heads, provides flexibility, shock absorption and strength for the spine.

Dr Bryce said that straightening out this curve could interfere with the 17 trillion messages that passed through the spinal column every minute.

She said that because the heavy use of handheld electronic devices such as cellphones and gaming machines, the body starts interfering with those 17 trillion messages.

She said that when trying to send messages from the brain to the arms and vice-versa, that co-ordination isn't there.

Dr Bryce added that pain from the condition was rarely a problem for younger people but it could become an issue in later life.