Samsung, Apple iPad, other Tablet Users Warned of Increased Health Concerns
Apple's iPad as well as other tablets are currently the most sought after devices in the advanced world of technology. However, health experts are now warning the users to properly handle their gadgets otherwise they are at risk of experiencing body aches and pain.
According to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, there is an increase in the number of tablet users complaining with upper body pain possibly related to the hand-held gadget's use. A businessman named Jeremy Asher shared that he spends about six hours of his daily busy schedule using a laptop, smart phone and a tablet until he began to experience pain in his body.
"I woke up one morning with an intensely sharp pain right around the shoulder blade. I thought perhaps it would go away after a night or two. But it didn't. In fact it seemed to be even worse and it was starting to even stop me from sleeping," Asher revealed.
Jeremy Asher received treatment after he was diagnosed with a nerve problem. Unfortunately, his body pain experience is now becoming a widespread condition.
Amanda Stockton, a physiotherapist at Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, confirmed that she has been seeing numerous patients who complain about neck pain, shoulder pain, wrist pain and headaches. "When you're using a tablet, your neck is pointing sharply down so your joints are getting stiff and your nerves are possibly overworking," Stockton explained.
Meanwhile, the said condition has been coined earlier this year as the "iPad shoulder" after Harvard University researchers studied the risks of tablet use.
Dr. Jack Dennerlein, who led the tablet use study, suggests to the gadget users that prevention is the key to avoid body pains. "A lot of this can lead to chronic neck pain. And who knows, over the long term, these chronic issues can lead to other chronic health issues such as arthritis," Dr. Dennerlein stated.
Health experts advise these tablet users to keep the device at eye level and sit properly on a chair. They also added that the users should take regular breaks from using the device.
"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," Dr. Dennerlein recommended.
