Is Your Mobile Giving You RSI?
Tablets, mobiles, laptops. We all constantly use handheld technology, do you need to worry? Are the strains outweighing the benefits? Can your mobile actually give you RSI and what can you do about it?
You will have to wait until March 2020 to take part in the #NationalDayofUnplugging again but you can download these “gone away messages” to use on social media in the meantime, here.
If that’s too drastic; read our tips below on the causes of mobile RSI and what you can do about it.
On The Move
Offices are increasingly less important as the home working movement marches on. Devices allow us to work from virtually anywhere. A lot is written about how the constant streams of emails and the pressure of social media affects mental health. But what about your physical health? In particular your joints, muscles and tendons.
On The Rise
Cases of repetitive strain injury caused by the use of smartphones, laptops and other devices are on the up. Have you heard of WRULD? It’s a bit of a mouthful: Work Related Upper Limb Disorder, yes it’s a real thing. A medical condition. It is the collective name for when any of your muscles, tendons and limbs above the waist are subject to overuse.
So What Are The Issues?
Well there are plenty in fact. This overuse can give you tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts, bursitis and the newly coined phrase Blackberry thumb. Yes that’s a real thing too!
Tendonitis is the swelling that occurs after a tendon injury. It can occur in any joint, tennis elbow is a good example. And it isn’t only caused by playing tennis. Another example is carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that arises when the nerve is compromised. The result can be pain, numbness or tingling.
The NHS describe a ganglion cyst as:
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that usually develops near a joint or tendon. The cyst can range from the size of a pea to the size of a golf ball. Ganglion cysts look and feel like a smooth lump under the skin.
Have you heard of Blackberry Thumb? It occurs from overuse of the thumb to press buttons on your PDA, android or other phone or handheld device. In other words it is a form of RSI.
Tips To Tackle
The workplace assessment of a desk and PC is common practice. A similar risk assessment should be carried out by employers where mobile devices are in regular use. Alongside that thought, here’s five tips about sensible use.
- Concentrate on your posture at all times.
- Swop hands and use fingers as well as thumbs.
- Take regular breaks and aim for have device-free hours through the day.
- Stretch regularly and massage any pain spots.
- Peering down places a strain on your neck and shoulders to keep your head up.
Prevention Not Cure
Prevention is better than cure, as a result we urge you to implement the above tips as soon as possible. If you are already suffering, you can take action to stop repetitive strain crippling you. Massage helps to calm the nervous system. It boosts the speed of recovery in muscles and tendons. At a physio session you will get pointers on what exercises and stretches to do.
