Mobile Devices Make Returning to Work a Pain

Published on Tuesday, 31 January 2012

Chiropractors in NSW are seeing patients with Repetitive Strain Injuries and neck pain, returning to work
after a Christmas break spent using new mobile devices received as gifts.

 
The President of the Chiropractors Association of Australia NSW, Dr Kerein Earney, said an increase in people visiting chiropractors had been noted in early 2012 with RSI in their thumbs, wrists, forearms, elbows and neck. She said the trend can be attributed to the amount of time spent using key pads on iPads, iPhones and electronic games on their holiday.

The effect of this activity is compounded by going straight back to work, without a break, to continue using a mouse and keyboard all day with the same type of straining hand movements that can result in RSI, Dr Earney said. The effect was also becoming a concern in children and teens who watch television for long periods, play electronic games at an early age, and risk permanent damage.

“What we often find through x-rays is an opposite neck curve in the spine, caused by spending so many hours in front of the television or hunched over hand held computer games. This leads to pain across the shoulders and down into the arms and hands,” Dr Earney said.

She suggested several changes that could be made to avoid getting RSI on return to work. “The best thing you can do is take a break and try to cut down on the time spent playing with tech toys. For those who sit at a desk all day, a good idea is to put an egg timer set for 20 minutes on your desk at work. Every time it goes off, take a walk, have a stretch and roll your shoulders,” Dr Earney said. “Also make your weekends as active as possible. Don’t just sit inside and play on your iPad, replicating what you do every day at work.”  www.chiropractorsnsw.asn.au