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Women are twice as likely to suffer ‘iPad neck’ as men

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Women are more than twice as likely to suffer ‘iPad neck’ as men: Females’ shorter arms and narrow shoulders causes them to hunch when using touchscreens

  • iPad neck occurs when users slump over a tablet while it rests in their laps
  • Such users also have no back support, such as if they sitting on the ground
  • This causes pressure on the spine, leading to strained neck muscles
  • Women are more at risk due to them generally having weaker muscles
  • They also have narrower shoulders, which causes worst posture when typing 
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Women are more than twice as likely to suffer ‘iPad neck’ as men, new research suggests. 

Some 70 percent of female tablet users develop ongoing pain in their neck and shoulders compared to just 30 percent of men, a US study found.

iPad neck occurs when users slump over a tablet while it rests in their laps without any back support, such as while sitting on a bench or on the ground.

This causes pressure on the spine, leading to strained neck and shoulder muscles.

Women are thought to be more at risk of iPad neck due to them generally having weaker muscles, as well as shorter arms and narrower shoulders. This causes worse posture while typing, according to the researchers.


Women are more than twice as likely to suffer ‘iPad neck’ as men (stock)

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HOW DO YOU PREVENT ‘iPAD NECK’?

iPad neck occurs when users slump over a tablet while it rests in their laps without any back support, such as while sitting on a bench or on the ground.

Professor Szu-Ping Lee, from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said: ‘Using these electronic devices is becoming a part of our modern lives.

‘In order to reduce the risk of developing long-term neck and shoulder problems, we need to think about how technology like tablet computer affects human ergonomics and posture.’ 

To prevent iPad neck, Professor Lee recommends the following: 

  • Sit in a chair with back support
  • Use a posture reminder device – these small, wearable devices stick on the skin or clip on to clothing and beep when the user is slouching
  • Attach iPads to a keyboard and place them on a stand – this allows users to have an upright posture
  • Exercise to strength neck and shoulder muscles 

iPad neck affects 15% of sufferers’ sleep 

The researchers, from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, analysed 412 university students, staff and alumni who use touchscreen tablets.

The participants were asked about any neck or shoulder pain. 

Results suggest 10 percent of people with iPad neck experience severe discomfort, while 15 percent claim the pain affects their sleep.

Yet, only 46 percent said they would consider giving up their tablet.

Students are thought to be particularly at risk due to them often not having a dedicated work space and instead studying cross-legged on the floor.

Some 77 percent of women use their iPad while sitting on the floor compared to just 23 percent of men, the study found.  

The findings were published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 

Good social media experiences do not outweigh the bad

This comes after research released earlier this month suggested good social media experiences do not outweigh the bad.

For every 10 percent increase in negative social media experiences, people’s risk of depression rises by 20 percent, a study by the University of Pittsburgh found.

This low mood is not reversed by positive interactions, such as the ‘like’ of a picture or a nice comment, the research adds.

The researchers believe social media makes people feel down and inadequate due to others posting the highlight reels of their lives.

Dr Michael Schoenbaum, from the National Institute of Mental Health, who was not involved in the study, said: ‘One error in social media is to imagine if you turn it off your social life is over. 

‘As a parent, I definitely think turning it off needs to be an option’.

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