Sending text messages rather than calling on the phone or even emailing seems to be the preferred method of communication for many teens. In fact, statistics show that the average teen gets or sends well over 1,500 text messages a month. But new research suggests texting may lead to some common overuse injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis and tendonitis.

Epidemiologist Judith Gold from the College of Health Professions and Social Work recently presented preliminary research that found texting was linked to back and shoulder pain in college-aged students at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association.

"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. 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," said Gold.

She said that findings from research on computer overuse may be applicable to people who send a lot of text messages because of the similar body positioning.

Some alternative treatments for overuse injuries that can cause joint pain, like carpal tunnel syndrome, include taking vitamin B6 supplements, yoga, relaxation techniques, acupuncture and chiropractic therapy, according to the Mayo Clinic.