With today’s rapid tech growth, many of us can’t imagine a day without our gadgets. We spend hours on cell phones and tablets. Although convenient and efficient, prolonged use can actually contribute to several injuries affecting the limbs.

Injuries Caused by Cell Phone Use

Cell phones and tablets now make it far easier to handle tasks, such as checking your work, sending messages, shopping, meeting online, even attending class. This close attachment to our devices leads us to repeat the same motions without noticing, which over time can trigger injuries in the arms, hands, and neck.

As noted by the Cleveland Clinic, here are a few injuries to watch for due to cell phone use:

1. Cell phone elbow injury

Spending too much time on phone calls can increase the chance of cell phone elbow injury. They are medically known as cubital tunnel syndrome. This occurs when the ulnar nerve in the forearm near the elbow is compressed or stretched, leading to finger numbness and weakness in the forearm.

This typically happens when the elbow stays bent at an extreme angle for a long time. The habit of holding a phone to the ear is one example of it. This position compresses the ulnar nerve, which runs from the neck to the hand. According to Everyday Health, besides lengthy phone calls, other habits like sleeping in awkward positions and daily activities that put repeated pressure on the arm can also contribute.

Common signs include tingling, numbness, and a burning sensation in the arm and fingers, especially the ring and little fingers. To help prevent this, use a headset for long calls or switch hands and positions regularly.

2. Texting thumb

WebMD notes that texting thumb is the lay term for De Quervain’s syndrome, a swollen tendon on the thumb side of the wrist that causes pain. Discomfort is often felt when gripping, rotating the wrist, or attempting to grasp objects.

Typing on a cell phone can push the thumb beyond its comfortable range, and repeating that motion can inflame the tendon. Beyond cell phone use, the risk of this tendon problem is also higher in women and in people with a history of carpal tunnel surgery, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Neck, back, and shoulder pain

The need to use cell phones and tablets often leads to long periods of hunching. This habit can cause pain in the neck, upper back, and shoulders. Some studies also suggest it may set the stage for early arthritis-like changes in the neck. One simple prevention tip is to use a tripod or other support to raise the phone to eye level so you don’t have to bend your head forward for extended periods.

We often don’t realize that the discomfort we feel stems from pronged use of cell phones. If you notice initial symptoms, such as pain in the neck, finger pads, back, or elbows, rest the affected area and apply a cold compress. If pain persists, consult a doctor for evaluation and treatment of a possible cell phone-related muscle injury.

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