The Price of Smartphones
Ten Common Dysfunctional Postures and Injuries caused by Smart Phone Use
Dr Joe Muscolino DC The article is reprinted with permission of the author . It first appeared in Massage and Bodywork .
The introduction of any new technology often comes with unexpected consequences . This is certainly true with widespread use of the smart phone . Although it is a wonderful marvel of communication that allows us to be connected with our loved ones , friends , and business colleagues , as well as connect us to the internet and therefore the world around us , unfortunately it comes at a price . That price is the physical stress that it can place on our body . One only needs to go to a public place and observe others while using their smart phones . The odds are that we will see many dysfunctional postural patterns and future injuries in the making . However , most of these conditions can be avoided if we pay attention to our biomechanics as we hold and use the smart phone .
As therapists , it is important to be aware of these common conditions so that we can be prepared to assess for them , and if found , provide the appropriate clinical orthopedic work to ameliorate the condition . Being aware of these potential problems also arms us with the knowledge needed to be able to offer the client valuable postural advice about how to properly hold and use the smart phone so that the development of these problems can be avoided .
Following are ten of the most common dysfunctional postural patterns and injuries that may occur with smart phone use . Some of these conditions are purely postural and can be avoided by improving the posture that is employed when using a smart phone . Other conditions may better be described as repetitive overuse conditions . These conditions are therefore less posture related and more due to the chronic repetitive use of smart phones . However , even with repetitive overuse conditions , improving smart phone posture can help to minimize or avoid their onset . For these reasons , some suggested postures for smart phone use are offered at the end of this article .
Figure 1 . Prolonged holding of a smart phone can lead to overuse , fatigue , and dysfunction of the common flexor tendon . This condition is known as golfer ' s elbow .
Flexor carpi radialis
Flexor digitorum superficialis
Palmaris longus
1 . Golfer ’ s Elbow
Golfer ’ s elbow , also known as medial epicondylitis or medial epicondylosis , is a condition in which inflammation and / or degeneration of the common flexor tendon occurs , usually accompanied by hypertonicity of the bellies of the associated muscles . This condition is caused by overuse of the muscles of the common flexor tendon that attaches to the medial epicondyle of the humerus . These muscles are the three muscles of the wrist flexor group ( flexor carpi radialis , palmaris longus , and flexor carpi ulnaris ), the pronator teres , and the flexor digitorum superficialis . As a whole , these muscles do flexion of the wrist joint and the fingers ; in other words , the joint actions necessary to grip and hold any object including a smart phone ( Figure 1 ). Holding the smart phone occasionally for a few minutes at a time is not a problem . The problem occurs with overuse that requires prolonged isometric contraction of the associated musculature , leading to fatigue and eventual injury / dysfunction
Flexor carpi ulnaris
76 | vol29 | no2 | JATMS