iPad causing rise in shoulder injuries

The iPad and other tablet device are causing a rise in shoulder injuries, according to ‘the UK’s leading shoulder doctor’, Tony Kochhar. The doctor says that he has been treating up to 20 patients a week for shoulder problems cause by using iPads, also known as ‘iPad Shoulder’.

“Holding the tablet lower down means users have to gaze downwards more sharply. This is increasing the pressure on their joints,” he says.

These problems extend to smartphone owners too, Kochhar says, due to mobile being held between the ear and shoulder and from frequent texting and browning.

The remedy? Try not to hunch over the device – the ideal screen position is level with your face – take regular breaks from using their devices and do some gentle neck and shoulder stretches during these breaks.

Kochhar also reminds users to switch the iPad between the right and left arm and also to look out for tell-tale signs of iPad Shoulder, which include aches all over the one side of the back of the shoulder blade or pain down the upper arm.