Smartphones are a necessary aspect of modern life across all age groups, from seniors to young children. While smartphones have undeniably enhanced our lives, many individuals have reported experiencing discomfort in their fingers, hands, and elbows due to prolonged smartphone use. These conditions are known as “text claw” and “cell phone elbow.”
You will understand the various effects of cellphones on your orthopedic health and their detection, treatment and prevention after reading this article.
Effects of cellphones on your health
Text neck
- Text neck refers to the neck pain that arises from prolonged periods of looking down at electronic devices.
- This condition occurs due to the bending of the head to view phones, tablets, or other electronic gadgets.
- This posture can strain and potentially harm muscles and tendons, leading to inflammation.
- Persistent neck inflammation can progress to arthritis and potentially lead to permanent damage to the spine.
Cellphone elbow
- Your cell phone can impact not only your hands and fingers but also your elbows.
- Also known as cubital tunnel syndrome, this ailment is brought about by maintaining a stationary angle in your elbow (such as when engaging in prolonged conversations on your cell phone).
- This posture puts pressure on the ulnar nerve as it passes through the posterior of the elbow.
Text claw
- It occurs when fingers and hands maintain an awkward position for prolonged periods while texting and supporting the weight of a cell phone.
- Individuals suffering from text claw may encounter discomfort, numbness, rigidity, and tingling in their hands, particularly in the thumb, ring, and pinky fingers.
Gamber’s thumb
- Engaging in prolonged smartphone gaming sessions could potentially lead to long-term muscle strain.
- It is recommended to limit gaming sessions to under 20 minutes and explore alternative methods of gameplay that minimize reliance on thumb movements.
Detection of Orthopedic conditions
- If you are experiencing symptoms related to any of the above conditions, it would be advisable to schedule a consultation with a bone specialist doctor in Ludhiana.
- During the visit, the doctor will perform a physical assessment and inquire about the onset of pain.
- In the case of cubital tunnel syndrome, the doctor may evaluate the elbow’s hollow region for any discomfort or sensitivity.
- Additionally, an X-ray may be recommended to confirm any structural alterations in the affected body part.
Orthopedic conditions due to continuous cellphone usage- Treatment
There exist several standard treatments that may assist in alleviating repetitive stress injuries within the body.
- The application of ice packs is an effective method to offer temporary relief.
- In cases of significant pain, the orthopedic physician may also recommend pain medication for the patient.
- The affected body part can be secured with a splint or brace to restrict movement and ensure the patient refrains from engaging in any physical activity.
- Once the symptoms have been managed, the patient may proceed with physical therapy aimed at enhancing the strength of the muscles and tendons in the elbow, hands, and wrists.
Preventive measures
Maintain good posture
- It is recommended to adhere to proper ergonomics by maintaining correct posture when using your phone.
- Hold the device at eye level and support your arms with pillows or armrests.
- Remember to take regular breaks to stretch and relax your muscles.
Engage in physical activities
- Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, focusing on exercises that enhance muscle strength and flexibility, such as yoga, pilates, or strength training.
- Prioritize exercises that specifically target the neck, shoulders, and hands to mitigate the negative impact of prolonged phone usage.
Minimize screen time
- Make an effort to limit your screen time by setting boundaries and designating screen-free zones or times throughout the day.
- Utilize smartphone functionalities such as –screen time tracking and app limits to effectively monitor and manage your usage.
Optimize your phone display
- Consider optimizing the display settings on your phone by adjusting the brightness & colour to reduce eye strain, particularly in low-light environments.
- It is also recommended to explore the use of blue light filtering apps or glasses to minimize exposure to potentially harmful blue light.
Take an appointment of a professional
- We recommend reaching out to a healthcare professional if you are facing ongoing pain or discomfort related to smartphone usage.
- Physical therapist, chiropractor, and an orthopedic specialist in Ludhiana are equipped to create personalized treatment strategies to meet your individual requirements.
The bottom line
While smartphones have undeniably transformed the way in which we communicate, work, and how we deal with things, it is imperative to acknowledge the potential orthopedic implications and hazards of prolonged phone usage.
By implementing healthy habits and mindfulness practice— alongside seeking medical help from a bone specialist doctor in Ludhiana when necessary— we can minimize the negative consequences that too much screen time has on our musculoskeletal systems, general health and wellness levels.
Remember this: the next time you go for your phone, take it as giving your body a break and valuing your physical health and peace of mind— in this case —your spine (backbone), muscles, and joints will appreciate it in the long term.
