Do You Suffer From iPad Neck?
by Physiotherapist Sammy Margo
Sammy Margo
New research has found that women are twice as likely to suffer persistent neck and shoulder pain, as a result of using hand-held devices such as iPads and tablets. But what we can do to ensure our use of computers and other devices do not end up affecting our musculoskeletal health?
Introducing ‘iPad Neck’
‘iPad neck’ is persistent pain in the neck and upper shoulders caused by poor posture when using devices – such as slouching or sitting without back support while using a tablet or slumping over a device in your lap. Women are twice as likely to experience pain and symptoms including stiffness, soreness or aching pain in the neck and upper shoulders. Researchers believe women are more affected as they have lower muscle strength and shorter arms, which could lead to more contorted positions when using their device – about 10% women, who were frequent iPad users, reported severe pain.
TOP TIP: Physiotherapist Sammy Margo advises: “Set reminders to take a 2-3 minute break every 20 minutes of screen time. Use these breaks to do some simple exercises, like shoulder rolls and a gentle range of movements in your neck.”
Top product: Deep Heat Muscle Rescue Neck and Shoulder Cream is a drug-free warming cream designed to soothe and ease everyday muscular tension in the neck and shoulders.
Solving ‘Swipe Shoulder’
44% of us regard our smartphones as our most important device and recent data shows we click, tap and swipe our mobile device almost 3,000 times a day (with heavy users reaching over 5,000 times!). But is that nagging shoulder pain linked to the arm you use on your mobile device? Neck and shoulder tension can lead to painful and debilitating pain, so it’s important to monitor how much time you spend on your mobile device and identify any twinges early on.
TOP TIP: Physiotherapist Sammy Margo advises: “It’s often the daily activities we don’t even think twice about, like talking on the phone cradled on your shoulder while typing or long phone calls, which can cause pain in the neck and shoulder. If you think your shoulder pain is linked to your phone use, consider buying a headset so you can talk without arching your neck.”
Top product: voice-activated ‘Alexa’ device.
Back Pain And ‘Screen Slouch’
Whether it’s an occasional twinge or an ongoing ache, sitting at a desk for prolonged periods of time can lead to lower back pain. Bad posture, such as slumping back in your desk chair or slouching forward means your spine is out of alignment, which puts a strain on the ligaments and muscles in your back.
TOP TIP: Physiotherapist Sammy Margo advises: “We are currently living more inactively than ever before – spending long amounts of time sitting, often in a slouched position hunched over a computer, which can overstretch spinal structures (such as the muscles and ligaments) which can lead to back pain. I encourage my patients to talk to their employers to receive a workstation assessment – having your seat and screen adjusted will help you improve your posture. Better posture works our core muscles, which consist of our back muscles, abdominal muscles and our pelvic floor, and helps provide strength to keep our body upright.”
Top product: Lumbar support which can be attached to your chair.
Tackling Laptop Spinal Stress
Some jobs require employees to use laptop computers, which can be a pain in the neck, shoulders and back for female employees. If your work requires you to carry a laptop to and from the office, you could ask for a lightweight model and laptop case to minimise its impact. Alternatively, invest in a rucksack so the laptop’s weight is spread evenly across both shoulders.
TOP TIP: Physiotherapist Sammy Margo says: “Try to avoid twisting your back when doing chores and bend at your knees instead of your waist when mopping, hoovering and picking up objects. Move little and often. Being inactive can make spinal pain worse, so try to do as much as you can, even if it’s just going for a short walk.”
Top product: Deep Relief Pain Relief Gel contains two pain killing ingredients plus anti-inflammatory action and can be applied on-the-go to tackle muscular aches and pains.
Moira Chisholm
I'm the Health Editor on My Weekly and am always interested to hear what's new in this fascinating field. I also deal with the gardening, shopping pages, general features, our website content and the Ask Helen problem page. I have a special interest in Christmas content because I'm on the team for Your Best Ever Christmas Magazine, too!
