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Text Message Stress
October 14, 2008 |
From “OMG” to “LOL,” text messaging is becoming one of the most common forms of
communications for Americans.
Matt Sutowski says he’s always typing away text messages. “I send probably 25 texts
a day and I like to do it because it’s fast and you can communicate exactly what
you want to say without using too much
time.”
But consistent typing of text messages could be causing some harm to your hands.
“Talking with occupational therapists who deal with our hands and wrists injuries
they do see more hand and wrist injuries these past few years with the advent of
texting and cell phones and all of that,” says Dr. Annette Tugoaen a specialist
in interventional pain management.
Most young people’s hand or wrist injuries are caused by trauma. But between text
messaging, computers and video games, injuries caused by overuse follow closely
behind. Dr. Sandra B. Collins is an orthopedic hand surgeon who says she treats
a variety of conditions caused by overuse. “Things like tendonitis, carpel tunnel
syndrome, trigger fingers, work related problems of tendonitis and all of the various
overuse syndromes.”
Dr. Tugaoen says. “We’re getting more and more hand and wrist injuries so those
are all you know technology should be a good thing but it has its downsides.” Just
like most things, typing, texting and playing video games should be done in moderation.
And don’t forget to stretch your fingers and wrists to keep the joints flexible
and in motion.
Research shows about ten percent of Americans admit to sending close to one-hundred
text messages per day. |
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