With the use of smartphones and other devices, scrolling, swiping and texting may be hurting your body in irreparable ways. Here are some common pains that using your smartphone improperly can cause.

 

5. Smartphone Slump

Hunching over isn’t ideal. With smartphones, you drop your chin to your chest for long periods of time which stretches the structure of your spine. The correct position is facing forward with the curves in your neck and spine in alignment.

 

4. Cell Phone Elbow

Taking too many Selfies? Media outlets including CNN have reported on the rise of “cell phone elbow” (Cubital tunnel syndrome) in some smartphone users. The nerve that passes through the tunnel right at your elbow can radiate down into your fingers and cause numbness. Anecdotal evidence suggests that prolonged flexing of the elbow when holding your phone may be the culprit.

 

3. Text Claw

Text Claw or texters thumb can be caused by constantly using your thumbs in a repetitive manner. Any type of fine motor activity such as texting, scrolling and gaming can cause cramping and soreness in the wrist, fingers and thumbs. Today we overuse our fingers and thumbs and this can lead to increased inflammation.

 

2. Ipad Hand

First it was “Blackberry thumb” and now it’s iPad Hand. People with iPad hand tend to have aches and pains in their hands that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome where fingers stiffen. Many doctors are warning that users are developing chronic pain from repeated swiping and typing.

 

1. Text Neck

Text neck is becoming more prevalent and can cause headaches & upper back pain in addition to neck pain. You may experience nagging dull pain, sharp pain & muscle spasms that can lead to permanent damage over time. Remember, when you stare at your smartphone with the wrong posture it increases the stress on the neck and increases the weight of your head by 100%.

Conclusion: 
Technology is great but prevention is key! If you are experiencing persistent pain see your doctor early on in order to prevent permanent injury to the nerves or spine.

• Remember that good posture and frequent, short breaks can help minimize these symptoms.
• Make sure to flex and massage your wrist and fingers and take frequent breaks.
• Whenever possible use a hands-free device & do not bend your elbow for extended periods of time.
• Consider using your voice -to -text app instead of using your thumbs all the time.

 

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