With tablets looking to be among this year’s top Christmas presents, health experts are warning that they could leave us in pain unless we learn to use them properly.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy says an increase in people complaining about upper body pain could be related to the use of hand-held devices.
Chartered physiotherapist Amanda Stockton says neck, shoulder and wrist pain, as well as headaches are common complaints.
She said: “When you’re using a tablet, your neck is pointing sharply down, so your joints are getting stiff and your nerves are possibly overworking.”
The unofficial term “iPad shoulder” emerged earlier this year after researchers at Harvard University looked into the risks of using tablets.
Apart from sitting upright in a chair, experts recommend keeping the tablet near eye level and taking regular breaks.
The study’s leader Dr Jack Dennerlein suggests prevention is key.
Dr Dennerlein added: “Find support in how to hold it up so that you can look at it properly. Don’t use your arms if you don’t have to. Go hands free. Find a good case.”
Via: Sky News