Are you a 'screen slave' to your smartphone?

A U.K. healthcare society says people are risking their health and becoming "screen slaves" as their use of smartphones, tablets and laptops extends beyond office hours.

Do you use your smartphone to catch up on work after office hours? (iStock)The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy says use of these devices is linked to poor posture leading to back and neck pain.

The society conducted an online survey of over 2,000 office workers and found that people are working during their commutes and after they get home, effectively adding two hours of extra work on average.

The CSP said that people that extend their work days with extra screentime can "store up" physical and mental health problems for the future.

"While doing a bit of extra work at home may seem like a good short-term fix, if it becomes a regular part of your routine then it can lead to problems such as back and neck problems, as well as stress-related illness," said CSP chair Dr Helena Johnson, in a release.

The Canadian Physiotherapy Association had similar advice in 2009 when it warned that extended use of touchscreen devices in awkward positions can lead to stiffness, and muscle and joint pain.
    
Do you continue your work after office hours using handheld devices? Are tablets and smartphones turning you or a member of your family into a "screen slave"? Let us know in the comments below.



(This survey is not scientific. Results are based on readers' responses.)