Thumb and Wrist Pain Treatment with Chiropractic
Going Mobile with Technology Can Cause Health Problems
The use and overuse of technology – especially mobile technology including cell phones and laptop computers -- has a growing list of health consequences. When working on the Internet, computers and cell phones, good ergonomics and/or good posture is almost impossible to maintain. An increasing number of health problems are associated with this rapidly expanding practice.
Statistics on Technology-Related Health Issues
One study by Harris International looked at more than 2,000 Americans ages 18 and over. The study indicated that 60 percent of Americans experience some form of health problem due to the use of technology during the day:
36% had eye strain
30% had back pain
27% had neck pain
24% had headaches
21% had wrist pain
11% had carpal tunnel syndrome
9% had insomnia
Common Technology-Related Conditions
Most of these conditions affect the musculoskeletal system, and patients are turning to chiropractors for treatment, to re-align and clear the stress along the spine. There is thumb and wrist pain treatment with Gilbert Chiropractic.
There are several problems associated with the poor ergonomics reflective of today's technology.
Texter's thumb: develops as a result of using the thumbs for sending text messages. It is a form of DeQuervain's tendinitis.
Texter's neck: is the term used to describe neck pain that results from prolonged poor posture (forward head carriage and holding cell phone against the ear) while using a smartphone.
Ear bud disease: is the result of ear infections due to the use of ear buds that are constantly placed in the ears when listening to music, watching video, etc., via mobile technology.
Repetitive Stress and Posture Issues
The design of laptops and cell phones contributes to repetitive stress and posture problems. Laptop keyboards are flat, forcing the wrists into awkward positions, while tablet keyboards integrated into screens can also lead to wrist issues.
Tips to Prevent Thumb and Wrist Pain
To alleviate thumb and wrist pain related to technology use, consider these simple tips:
1. Take Frequent Breaks: Short breaks of a few seconds can help reduce muscle fatigue from prolonged device use, especially in less-than-optimal positions.
2. Build Breaks into Your Routine: Avoid back-to-back phone calls and take a few minutes to relax your muscles in between. Set an alarm for 15 minutes to remind yourself to get up and move around while using a laptop.
3. Regular Spinal Check-Ups: Learning correct spinal hygiene exercises and maintaining good posture can mitigate the negative effects of our electronic lifestyle. Dr. Keith Lavender, a Board Certified Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractor, offers precise, gentle care for all ages, including nutrition and exercise counseling.
Free Wellness Opportunity Workshops!
We hold Wellness Opportunity Workshops a few times every month, for more information and to schedule a free consultation, call 480-525-7841. Foresight Chiropractic Wellness Center has been helping families for over 24 years to regain and optimize their health.
Thank you to Paul Hooper, DC, MPH, MS for research