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The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) says the condition could soon be as commonplace in the UK as it is in the US where some users have lost the full use of their thumb.

The BCA's Dr Carl Irwin explained that the problem is caused by constantly operating the iPod with the same repetitive motion and added that the problem will only get worse, particularly among the young.

'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,' he said.

'Young children are particularly susceptible - their bones and muscles are not 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.'

RSI came to public attention in the 1980s when the computer keyboard replaced manual typewriters. More recently the condition has been caused by text messaging and overuse of BlackBerry handhelds.