STUDY SHOWS ADDITIONAL DANGERS OF TEXT-MESSAGING

We know text messaging while driving can cause deadly car accidents, but can text-messaging at other times also result in serious injuries?

According to a new study highlighted at MedicineNet.com, too much text messaging may increase the risk of neck or shoulder pain. Judith Gold, ScD, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Temple University's College of Health Professions and Social Work, presented evidence at this year's meeting of the American Public Health Association suggesting that the more college students texted, the more pain they reported in their necks and shoulders.

"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," Gold says. "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.

Gold and colleagues conducted a study of 138 college students to see if correlations exist between the number of text messages sent per day and pain in the upper body. They used body maps for the students to indicate areas of discomfort. The students were asked how many text messages they sent per day.

The researchers say they found an association, only in male participants, between shoulder discomfort and the number of messages punched out. They propose that males might be particularly susceptible to physical discomfort related to texting.

So, be careful in your posture while you send text messages. Never do it while you are driving. No text message is important enough to cause a car accident!

For information about your rights after a Florida car accident, click here to schedule a free meeting with Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes. Remember, insurance companies have lawyers looking out for their best interest--so should you!