This can cause “head pain, neck pain, arm pain and numbness,” she points out, because “a normal standing position is facing forward and all the curves of your neck and spine are in correct alignment. But when you drop your chin on to your chest for a long period you are stretching the whole structure.”
“Eventually, in conjunction with a sedentary lifestyle, it could lead to serious consequences.”
She advises people to use voice recognition and make phone calls instead, and take regular breaks and alter their texting positions to avoid problems. The NHS website’s Live Well section lists helpful exercises – including gently lengthening your neck upwards as you tuck in your chin.
It is not the first time we have been warned about the dangers of texting. In 2011 it was blamed for an increase in pedestrian deaths in the US, with some towns considering the introduction of fines for people who text while walking. “Blackberry thumb” – repetitive strain injury caused by texting – has been joined by “iPad hand”, aches and pains caused by swiping and typing on a tablet. The list of ailments expands with every new piece of technology.