The answer is likely yes—especially if you’re a young adult or a woman. “iPad neck” persistent pain in the neck and upper shoulders caused by slouching or bending into extreme positions while using tablet computers—is a growing problem among Americans, according to a new UNLV study.

Findings show:
• “iPad neck” is usually associated with sitting without back support, such as on a bench or on the ground, or slumping over the tablet while it rests in the user’s lap.
• other postures significantly associated with pain included using tablets while lying on the side or back.
• the condition is more prevalent among young adults than older adults.
• women are more likely to experience musculoskeletal symptoms.
• those with a history of neck and shoulder pain reported experiencing more neck and shoulder symptoms during tablet computer use.

Postures that led to pain included those that cause the tablet user to “slump” over and gaze downward:
• sitting without back support (this increased odds of pain more than 200%)
• sitting with the device in the lap
• sitting in a chair with the tablet placed on a flat desk surface
• flexing the neck forward for long periods of time can put pressure on the spine, causing neck and shoulder muscle strain and pain.

Chiropractors specialize in treatment for neck and shoulder pain. After a physical exam and X-rays, they help to restore motion to stiff joints through a chiropractic treatment plan that usually includes chiropractic adjustments, specific neck exercises and physiotherapy.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com.