What Device are You Reading This Blog on Right Now?

Between 2011 and 2020, there were as many as 7,320 cell phone-related injuries of the lower arm, wrist, hand, and fingers. After all, reports indicate Americans spend between three and seven hours on their devices daily. This, of course, is not good news. It can lead to other unhealthy conditions.  So much so that a new “smartphone related strains and injuries” is entering into the vernacular. What are these strains and injuries?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has been around for a very long time. Previously it was associated with long-term computer typing, now it has entered the 21st century with smartphone use. The condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand is strained or injured.

Eye Strain is on the uptick. This is the condition brought on by staring at screens for long periods of time and causes eye dryness, blurred vision, and headaches,

Tendonitis can occur in different many places in the body. It is the inflammation of tendons caused by repetitive actions. Tennis Elbow is such an example. Now, smartphones are causing an increase in this painful condition, 

Text Neck is a somewhat new phrase. This malady causes  headaches, shoulder, neck and lower back pain and is caused by bending your neck to look at a phone screen. 

To avoid such injuries, limiting cell usage when possible is important. Aim to take breaks every 20 to 30 minutes, and when using your phone, keep it at eye level to avoid bending your neck downwards when scrolling those socials. Other ways to prevent strain are to use voice recognition to minimize typing and turn on blue light filters to reduce eye strain.

Persistent cell phone-related pain may mean it’s time to see your doctor. A provider can assess the extent of your injuries and recommend treatment. However, letting these conditions go unchecked can further damage muscles, nerves and tendons, leading to chronic pain.

Common treatments for smartphone-related strains and injuries include physical therapy, rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and in some cases, surgery. Physical therapy can help you regain strength and mobility in your affected areas, while rest can help reduce inflammation.

Just remember to listen to your body, take breaks when necessary and seek help when needed.