Why SMSing can be a pain

WASHINGTON: Excessive text messaging among youngsters can put them at increased risk of suffering from neck and shoulder pain, say researchers.

Judith Gold, an assistant professor of Epidemiology at the College of Health Professions and Social Work examined the effect of too much texting on college students.

The expert in her preliminary research suggested the more college students texted, the more pain they suffered in their neck and shoulders.

Gold, who directs the Ergonomics and Work Physiology Laboratory, said: "Looking around our campus, you see every student on their cell phones, typing away.

"It's the age group that texts the most, so it's important to know what the health effects may be to learn whether it will cause long term damage."

She added: "What we've seen so far is very similar to what we see with office workers who've spent most of their time at a computer.

"The way the body is positioned for texting - stationary shoulders and back with rapidly moving fingers - is similar to the position for typing on a computer."

The study was presented at this year's annual meeting of the American Public Health Association.