In today’s high-tech world, phones aren’t just for talking anymore.  Most of us are connected 24-7 to our email and the Internet through our phones, which means that many of us spend a significant amount of time texting.  Being freed from our desks may have removed one set of repetitive stress injuries, including ones linked with spinal dysfunction and neck pain.

Tips for preventing texting injuries:

• Avoid sitting in the same position for extended periods.
• Take frequent breaks.
• Pay attention to posture.
• Massage the fleshy area at the base of the thumb and index finder.
• If your thumbs are the problem, use your computer whenever possible to send emails, rather than your phone.
• Many people hunch over when texting to see the tiny keyboard.  Try resting the mobile device on a table or desk and lean against your chair’s backrest.
• Use both thumbs, rater than one, and try resting your phone on a table and typing with other fingers as well, rather than always using your thumbs.
• Stretch your upper body often. If you experience soreness, stop texting.  Don’t work through the pain.

Researchers suspect that a myriad of other conditions may be triggered by excessive texting.  These include carpal tunnel syndrome, lateral and medial epicondylitis (tennis and golf elbow) and rotator cuff syndrome.

It is vital to maintain regular chiropractic care, even if you are not in pain.  If you are a frequent texter, chiropractic care can help you avert texting-related injuries. Dr. Barbara Smith
Chiropractor and Health Educator
health@doctorbarb.com