Using your smartphone can be a pain in the neck | Access 2 Knowledge

Smartphones and tablet computers can be seriously bad for your health, according to a Tony Kochhar – the self-styled “Shoulder Doctor”.
Just a day after researchers from Consumer Reports discovered that the iPad 3 can reach temperatures of up to 33.6˚c, Dr Kochhar revealed that he is seeing up to 20 patients a week who are suffering from conditions brought on by their use of smartphones, e-readers and tablets. The elbow and upper-limb expert has dubbed the condition “iPad shoulder”.

The most common symptoms of the problem are aches all over one side of the back of the shoulder and pain down the upper arm. The problem affects users of tablets and mobile phones, such as devices like the iPad and iPhone.

The doctor says the injuries are caused by smartphone and tablet computer users holding their devices low down. This puts pressure on the joints in their necks and shoulders as they gaze down at their screens.

Smartphone users can also sustain injuries associated with holding their device between their neck and their shoulder while talking. Staring to see their screens while texting or browsing the internet can also result in problems, according to the good doctor.

Doctor Kochhar told smartphone and tablet owners that the best place to position their devices if they want to avoid succumbing to the sort of injuries he sees at his clinic every week, is directly in front of the face, regardless of the fact that this may look a little daft on public transport. He also recommends that people should take regular breaks from using their devices to allow their joints to recover.

The ideal distance your device should be away from your face should be somewhere in the region of 30 cm for users who do not have any eye problems. So, next time you’re on the train and want to read the news on your device, hold it directly out in front of you, some 30 cm away from your face.

Smartphone and tablet computer owners should also take care to alternate the hand in which they hold their device when browsing the internet or sending text messages. Holding a device in the same hand for extended periods can soon lead to problems.

Any device user that feels uncomfortable should put their phone or tablet computer down and do some gentle neck and shoulder stretches.

Blogging Online, Social Blogging, Technology | March 22, 2012

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