As more people send text messages, repetitive strain injury cases are on
the rise
LONDON, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- SpinVox, the leader in voice-to-content messaging, today issued new guidelines to help prevent repetitive strain injuries (RSI) caused by frequent texting.
"With people of all ages texting furiously at all hours of the day, we are starting to realize the toll texting places on our hands, fingers and wrists," said Christina Domecq, SpinVox co-founder and CEO. "There is a growing need for new behaviors and services that reduce the wear-and-tear on users without impeding their ability to communicate."
Recent CTIA findings show that in the U.S. alone more than 28.8 billion text messages are sent per month, totaling almost 241 billion per year. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy reported last month that 16 percent of young people aged 16-24 consequently suffer from discomfort in their hands, with some experiencing even broader pain in their wrists, arms, neck and shoulders. This amounts to nearly 4 million people affected by text-related RSI, according to Virgin Mobile.
SpinVox has therefore issued the following guidelines to help frequent senders of text messages protect themselves:
1. If you anticipate a prolonged back-and-forth discussion, consider saving it for a time when you're able to speak with the person more comfortably via phone.
2. If you feel any pain in your fingers, hands or wrists, stop texting immediately-it will only get worse.
3. Use abbreviated text speak to cut down on characters wherever possible. Many phones also offer auto-text features that will automatically complete partially entered words.
4. Slow down, take breaks and cut down on needless texting. Most texting occurs when users are idle. Find something else to do with your down time!
5. Take advantage of new voice-to-content services such as SpinVox,
which allow users to spe
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