Does your neck and/or back feel sore when studying for exams or completing coursework?
Do you find the pain is making it harder to focus in school, at home or both?
Students – especially teenagers – sometimes feel stiffness and discomfort in their bodies during the extra study before exams. This may involve pain in your back, neck or shoulders and/or a build up of tension in your hands and arms. Some people notice an increase in frequency and intensity of headaches. It’s important that these symptoms don’t distract you or prevent you from studying. You don’t need to put up with unnecessary pain.
There are many different causes for pain and discomfort, such as
- Posture when studying
- Working area is not ideally set up for study
- Stress of the revision and exam process
- General posture
Why bother telling mum or dad?
Our teenage patients tell us that pain makes it harder to focus and concentrate both at home and in school or college. It can directly impact your mood, your desire, tolerance and ability to study or complete your coursework effectively.
You may be surprised by what can be done to relieve your pain and discomfort. The first step is telling someone how you’re feeling.
Our friendly team of osteopaths start by chatting with you. We talk through what is going on, how it impacts you before examining you. This involves you dressing down so we can see how your body is moving. At this point we use our hands to feel how you move and how your tissues feel.
We discuss treatment with you … this usually involves a combination of:
- Hands on treatment (incorporating the whole body).
- Practical tips to try when studying and sitting the exams, such as how to avoid back pain.
- Stretches and/or exercises for relaxation, stretching and stability.
- If appropriate, referral to your doctor for further investigations.
Our patients usually see a drop in pain and discomfort after a few sessions. This enables them to complete their revision and exams.
We aim to educate people about body posture and body movement offering the confidence to self-manage and take control.
Our common goal is to enable you to study, complete your exams and do your best without being distracted by discomfort or pain.
Note: all under 16s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for their appointment.
This article was written by Melissa Thorpe, a Registered Osteopath in the Shefford Osteopathic Clinic team.