The inventions of laptops, smartphones, and other electronic devices have revolutionized modern day workplaces, entertainment, and communication. As the world becomes increasingly dependent on devices, health challenges are brought forth in various forms, primarily in the form of musculoskeletal disorders. These types of disorders are found in the muscles, tendons, joints, and spinal discs. With the immense pressure phones and laptops can put on the neck, back, and spine, people are burdened with pain and more serious issues, like Carpal Tunnel’s Syndrome and De Quervain’s Syndrome.
Poor Posture and Repetitive Movements
Tech neck refers to the position of someone hunched over their device, with their head pointed downwards. The stress on forward head flexion and the spine can lead to changes in cervical curvature, neck and shoulder muscle strain,compromised neck muscle proprioception, damage to posterior ligaments, and entrapment neuropathies. The tech neck position can exert a force of up to 60 pounds on the spine.
Repetitive movements, such as typing and scrolling, can also contribute to musculoskeletal disorders by straining the muscles and tendons of the hands, wrists, and forearms. Over time, these repetitive movements can lead to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and other repetitive strain injuries. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the enlargement and flattening of the median nerve, alongside the bulging of a key ligament. This can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers.
Screen Glare and Eye Strain
In addition to the spine, wrist, and fingers, the excessive use of smartphone devices can also affect eyes negatively. Unlike objects in natural light, digital screens emit a significant amount of blue light, which has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than other colors in the visible spectrum. Blue light can cause digital eye strain and potentially disrupt sleep patterns by affecting the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. Although eye strain is a temporary issue, blue light exposure inflicts long term damage to the retina, causing vision loss in older adults.
Strategies for Prevention
As technology possesses a vital part of everyday lives, it is unreasonable to expect that these devices can be disregarded. However, being more mindful of usage and posture while having regular movement can decrease the risks of musculoskeletal disorders and strains. Taking regular breaks to stretch and move around can relieve muscle tension and prevent stiffness. Using ergonomic accessories like external keyboards or laptop stands can also allow healthy posture. To reduce eye glare, the 20-20 rule can be implemented; look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Works Cited
San Gorgonio Memorial Healthcare District. (2022). Can Smartphone Use Bring on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? [online] Available at: https://www.sgmh.org/can-smartphone-use-bring-on-carpal-tunnel-syndrome#:~:text=To%20explain%20why%2C%20the%20researchers [Accessed 31 Aug. 2024].
Thorburn, E., Pope, R. and Wang, S. (2021). Musculoskeletal symptoms among adult smartphone and tablet device users: a retrospective study. Archives of Physiotherapy, [online] 11(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40945-020-00096-6.
Tsang, S.M.H., Cheing, G.L.Y., Lam, A.K.C., Siu, A.M.H., Pang, P.C.K., Yip, K.-C., Chan, J.W.K. and Jensen, M.P. (2023). Excessive use of electronic devices among children and adolescents is associated with musculoskeletal symptoms, visual symptoms, psychosocial health, and quality of life: a cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Public Health, [online] 11, p.1178769. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1178769.
Young, J.L. (2022). Effects of Electronic Usage on the Musculoskeletal System in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review. Journal of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Treatment, [online] 8(2), p.114. doi:https://doi.org/10.23937/2572-3243.1510114.
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