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Headaches in children and adolescents at the start of school? You can do this – naturally and gently

The start of school is an exciting time for children and young people – new books, schedules and reunions with friends. But for some, it also marks the beginning of something less pleasant: headaches, fatigue and body aches.

At the Health & Sports Clinic, we see an increasing number of children and young people with tension headaches every year, especially during the transition from summer vacation to school. Fortunately, there are gentle and natural methods to relieve – and prevent – the problem.

In this post we take a closer look at:

Why children and adolescents get headaches when starting school
How you as a parent can help
How gentle massage, acupuncture and ergonomic guidance can make a difference

Why do children and adolescents get headaches when they start school?

When the school year starts again, children's everyday lives change significantly:

They sit more quietly.
They use screens for long periods of time
Sleep patterns change
The demands for concentration and performance increase
There is often more noise and unrest during the school day.

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache among children and adolescents. They typically manifest as a throbbing or pressing pain in the forehead, temples, or back of the head – and are often associated with muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and jaw.

How can you as a parent spot it?

Children and young people do not always put their discomfort into words. Therefore, it is important to be aware of:

Repeated complaints of headaches after school
Fatigue and irritability in the afternoon
Difficulty concentrating
Increased need for peace and darkness
Complains of sore shoulders or neck

The earlier you react, the easier it is to remedy.

Gentle treatment at the Health & Sports Clinic

We offer gentle and respectful treatment that is suitable for children and adolescents – without the use of medication and without side effects.

Gentle massage and relaxation

Simple, calm movements can release tension in the neck, shoulders and jaw – typical problem areas for headaches. The treatment takes place at a calm pace and is always adapted to the child's age and needs.

Advantages:

Reduces tension in muscles and connective tissue
Creates calm in the nervous system
Provides a feeling of well-being and security

Many children already notice a difference after one treatment – especially if the headache is caused by tension or unbalanced stress.

EAR Acupuncture – without hurting

We also use acupuncture in a gentle and child-friendly form, which is often combined with ear acupuncture. The needles are thin as hair and are rarely felt – and only a very few are used.

Ear acupuncture can help with:

Balancing the body's energy and nervous system
To reduce tension headaches and restlessness
To provide better sleep and recovery

The treatment is calm and takes place in collaboration with the child – we always explain what we are doing and why.

Ergonomic guidance – small changes, big impact

Many of the headaches we see in schoolchildren are due to poor posture – both in the classroom and at home.

We are happy to advise you in:

Correct sitting posture at desk and screen
Using support for feet and back
Screen tuning and breaks
Simple exercises for the neck, shoulders and eyes

A child who sits well and moves throughout the day will experience less pain and better concentration.

When treatment becomes a safe experience

We place great importance on meeting children and young people at eye level. The treatment should be pleasant and safe – not something you have to “get over”.

We involve the child in the process, and many find that it feels like a break from everyday life. Some children become so comfortable that they fall asleep during the treatment – and that's completely okay.