Having sore thumbs or an aching neck lately? That could be a sign of using your smartphone too much, according to some health experts in Britain. Being able to do so many things on your smartphone has its perks, but the downside is that so much time is being spent on such devices that the body might start showing signs of wear and tear.
Tim Hutchful of the British Chiropractic Association and Sammy Margo of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy have expressed alarm on the growing trend. As smartphones become a major aspect of one’s activities, the tendency to overdo it is there.
“I had a patient who developed inflamed tendons in her thumb from using her smartphone and was unable to use her hand for weeks due to pain,” Hutchful noted.
Margo said users should not use their smartphones too much as, “the phones are far too small, with keys that are too small.” She said one of her patients had to rely on voice recognition software after having pain in the upper limbs.
Health Risks of Excessive Smartphone Use
The health risks associated with excessive smartphone use extend beyond just sore thumbs and aching necks. Prolonged use of smartphones can lead to a variety of musculoskeletal issues, including “text neck,” a condition caused by the forward head posture adopted while looking down at a phone screen. This posture can strain the neck muscles and lead to chronic pain. Additionally, repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) such as “text claw” can develop from the repetitive motions of texting and swiping.
Moreover, the blue light emitted by smartphone screens can disrupt sleep patterns by interfering with the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. This can lead to insomnia and other sleep disorders, which in turn can affect overall health and well-being.
Preventive Measures and Recommendations
To mitigate these risks, health experts recommend several preventive measures. One of the simplest yet most effective strategies is to take regular breaks from smartphone use. The 20-20-20 rule is a good guideline: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This can help reduce eye strain and give your neck and thumbs a much-needed rest.
Another recommendation is to use ergonomic accessories. For instance, using a stylus can reduce the strain on your thumbs, and a phone stand can help keep your device at eye level, reducing the need to bend your neck. Voice recognition software, as mentioned by Margo, can also be a valuable tool for reducing the physical strain associated with typing on small screens.
In addition to these measures, it’s important to be mindful of your overall posture. When using your smartphone, try to sit up straight and hold the device at eye level. This can help prevent the development of text neck and other posture-related issues.
Furthermore, incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can help counteract the negative effects of prolonged smartphone use. Stretching exercises, in particular, can be beneficial for relieving muscle tension and improving flexibility.
In conclusion, while smartphones offer numerous conveniences and have become an integral part of daily life, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential health risks associated with their excessive use. By taking proactive steps to reduce strain and maintain good posture, you can enjoy the benefits of your smartphone without compromising your health.
Via AFP
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