Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Stiff little fingers on your iPod

British Chiropractic Association warns of risks from MP3 players

First there was text messaging injury, then came Blackberry Thumb, now the latest RSI injury to come to fruition is iPod Finger. With sufferers coming forward in America, the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) today warns that the condition could soon be commonplace in the UK.

‘iPod finger’ is an injury that affects the finger of music-mad consumers who are constantly using the scroll-wheel or buttons on their MP3 players to organise their song library, update playlists and adjust volume of their favourite artists.

Portable music jukeboxes are the most fashionable item on the highstreet today, with people listening to their favourite songs on their way to work, in the gym and even at home. Arguably the market leader is Apple’s stylish iPod, a slim line MP3 player not much larger than a credit card, which can store in the region of 1500 songs. This has launched the phenomenon of listening to your favourite tunes wherever and whenever you want – to such an extent that users in U.S. have developed a debilitating medical condition from it.

Although complaints of MP3 player-related injuries have not reached high levels as yet, the British Chiropractic Association’s Doctor Carl Irwin feels that it is only a matter of time: “Hand-held music machines are extremely popular and users are constantly using small, difficult buttons with the same finger in a repetitive motion. The nature of modern technology means that these devices are only going to be getting smaller and I would not be surprised if hand and finger related injuries become one of the most common RSIs that chiropractors treat.”

“Young children are particularly susceptible – their bones and muscles aren't fully developed, meaning they are at more risk than adults. The best way to avoid injury is to flex your hand muscles as this will keep the blood flowing and will break up the repetition. Varying the finger that you use to operate your MP3 player will also prevent injury”

To find out more information about the BCA please visit www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk
or call 0118 950 5950

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BCA Press Enquiries:
Liz Harding/ Jon Temerlies/Julie Doyle
icas public relations
Tel: 020 7632 2400
Email: lharding@icas.co.uk

Notes to Editors
BCA chiropractors see tens of 1000's of patients each day and are able to provide a safe and effective form of treatment that keeps people of all ages healthy and happy.

The BCA represents well over 50% of UK chiropractors, with over 1200 practising members. Members of the BCA abide by a strict code of ethics and the association only accepts graduates who have gone through a minimum four-year full-time internationally-accredited degree course at an internationally-recognised college of chiropractic education. There are two fully UK and Internationally accredited education institutions in the UK; the Anglo European College of Chiropractic (AECC) and Welsh Institute of Chiropractic at the University of Glamorgan (WIOC).

In common with other health professions, chiropractic is regulated by Act of Parliament in the United Kingdom. The Chiropractors Act 1994 is a good example of modern legislation and it gives strong powers to the regulatory body, the General Chiropractic Council (www.gcc-uk.org) The GCC’s main responsibilities are to: protect patients; set standards of conduct, practice and education; develop and promote the practice of chiropractic. The BCA ensures its chiropractors maintain high standards of conduct, practice, education and training within the profession and throughout their careers.

Chiropractic care offers hands on pain management and focuses on muscles, joints and nerves. Chiropractic is suitable for all ages and can help with a wide range of aches and pains from head to toe. Chiropractors use their hands to ‘adjust’ or ‘manipulate’ the spine and joints where signs of restriction in movement are found and can also involve working on muscles. This restores normal function to the affected muscles, joints and nerves allowing the body to then get on with the job of healing itself.

To find out more information about the BCA please visit www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk or call 0118 950 5950

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