A new study by Swedish researchers has found a correlation between bad text-messaging technique and pain in the neck, shoulders and arms.
“We noticed a big difference in technique (in text messaging) between those who had pain and those who didn’t,” said Ergonomist Ewa Gustafsson, who has written a thesis on the subject.
“The ones who didn’t suffer any pain seemed more aware of their work. You can suspect that those who are in pain don’t listen to their bodies’ signals.”
A Swedish hospital has noticed an increase in patients with text-messaging injuries in their neck, shoulders and arms.
“Since we began the study, texting has increased,”?said Gustafsson. “More and more applications appear in the (cellphone) so we are using the tiny keyboard more and more.”
But those who only send five to 10 text messages a day need not worry.
“It’s the repetition that may cause injuries. The thumb is not built for this kind of use. It is built for gripping things.”
