The study of 138 college students found a link between higher numbers of text messages and shoulder discomfort, the Los Angeles Times reported.
More research is needed, but it may be wise to monitor musculoskeletal and joint symptoms among people who spend a lot of time using hand-held devices, said study lead author Judith Gold, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the College of Health Professions and Social Work at Temple University in Philadelphia, and colleagues.
"Looking around our campus, you see every student on their cellphones, typing away," Gold said in a news release, the Times reported.
"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."
The study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association.
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