How Texting and Gaming are Causing Injuries to Teens and Adults

July 6, 2015 - PRLog -- Are we raising a generation doomed to develop arthritis? Maybe, say researchers, who believe that osteoarthritis of the wrists and fingers could be an increasing danger for adults who spent too much time texting and gaming as kids.

The significant increase in time spent at computer keyboards or engaging in video gaming has created a whole new generation of people of all ages experiencing hand and finger injury, pain and discomfort. More and more, people are depending on these devices to stay in touch with friends and family. However, an increasing number are beginning to pay the price for such ready access to the world.

The problem is that repetitive motion combined with poor posture puts too much stress on joints, tendons, and muscles. That added stress can turn into injuries  not just of the wrists, hands, and arms, but the neck and back as well.

The significant increase in time spent at computer keyboards or engaging in video gaming has created a whole new generation of people of all ages experiencing hand and finger injury, pain and discomfort. More and more, people are depending on these devices to stay in touch with friends and family. However, an increasing number are beginning to pay the price for such ready access to the world.

Modern communications devices are associated with several painful repetitive stress and nerve compression injuries.

Cell phone elbow, otherwise known as cubital tunnel syndrome, is a tingling or numbness in the hands caused by a compression of the ulnar nerve when the elbow is flexed during lengthy gab sessions, and Guitar Hero wrist is a tendinitis of the wrist brought on by overly vigorous strumming. Then there's so-called BlackBerry thumb, which strikes those who spend a lot of time sending rapid-fire missives from their mobile devices.

In the most serious cases, excessive wear and tear and inflammation of the basal joint at the base of the thumb can lead to arthritis. Thumb arthritis can cause hand pain, swelling, decreased strength and range of motion. For every pound of pressure that you push at the tip of your thumb, it's magnified at the base of your thumb and Over time, this can lead to problems. Plus it's not just the thumb that can get sore. According to the Swedish researchers, excessive texting can also lead to neck and back pain.

To prevent pain from texting, experts recommend:

Avoid sitting in the same position for extended periods. Get up and take breaks.

·         Pay attention to posture. When seated at a desk, your monitor should be at eye level, your arms should be bent at a 90-degree angle, your knees should be bent at 90 degrees and your feet should rest on the floor.

·         Many people hunch over when texting because they're trying to see the tiny keyboard. To keep from putting added pressure on your neck and upper back, rest the mobile device on your desk and lean against the chair's backrest.

·         Use both thumbs and give your thumbs a break when typing long messages.

·         Stay active. "People who are more active outside of work and have good circulation will heal better than those who are less active and have poorer circulation," Turkopp said.

PhysioMax Wellness in Burlington Ontario provides various tips and treatments for every client's needs. Healthcare providers from this clinic are very knowledgeable about the treatments needed by patients in order to help them recover from their injuries. This multidisciplinary clinic in Burlington Ontario provides Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic and Massage Therapy in order to tend to any kind of injuries and prevent issues from occurring in the first place. Please contact us or visit www.physiomaxwellness.ca for more detailed information.