© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Technology is rapidly changing our lives, and smartphones have become an inevitable part of existence. Today, more than 4 billion people own smartphones. While communication has certainly become easier, too much reliance on these devices is costing us way more than we think.
There have been numerous studies that show how smartphones are impacting brains, affecting eyesight and child development. However, one big question still looms: Are smartphones causing us to age faster? Musculoskeletal pain is often associated with ageing, but now it seems smartphones are causing this too.
A recent study has found that extended physical exposure during smartphone usage leads to poor posture and pain in the neck, shoulder, elbow, and hands. The study by researchers from Bangladesh and India investigated the effect of smartphone addiction on musculoskeletal pain. The research shows how deeply smartphones can affect our physical well-being.
As part of the cross-sectional study, 326 students aged between 18 and 30 were assessed using various tools such as the smartphone addiction scale-short form (SAS-SF), the Neck Disability Index, the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), the Oxford Elbow Scores (OES), and the Cornell Hand Discomfort Questionnaire (CHDQ).
While 43.3 per cent of students reported neck pain and 42.9 per cent experienced shoulder pain, 27.9 per cent complained of elbow pain. The analysis suggested that 69.2 per cent of students were moderately to severely addicted to their smartphones. According to the study, the pain was not limited to one part but varied across different regions of the body.
According to the study, poor posture is a key factor that contributes to pain caused by smartphone usage. Extended smartphone use often pushes users to adopt a forward head posture. This causes strain on the cervical spine, leading to chronic neck pain. Further, the study shows that continuous muscle contraction while using the phone, repetitive thumb movements, and wrist flexion contribute to shoulder, elbow, and hand injuries.
The long-term impact can be damaging. Based on the study, researchers warn that if ignored, these musculoskeletal issues can turn chronic, impacting an individual’s overall quality of life. With the unprecedented rise in smartphone addiction, the researchers seem to be advocating for better ergonomic awareness and frequent breaks during smartphone usage to prevent pain and long-term damage.
The above information is based on the research, Smartphone Addiction and its Impact on Musculoskeletal Pain in Neck, Shoulder, Elbow, and Hand Among College-Going Students: A Cross-Sectional Study, published in the journal Springer Nature in 2022. While the research is dated, considering the rising instances of smartphone addiction, the findings and suggestions are relevant. We found it to be a call for a more conscious approach to smartphone use.
‘Everything in moderation, including moderation.’ Yes, the best possible way to prevent the prolonged physical impact of smartphone usage is to ensure that you keep a check on extended usage. Remember, using your smartphone responsibly can prevent a host of health issues. Below are some practical tips to follow:
If you have noticed, most handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets force users to hunch over. This not only strains the neck but also leads to eventual back pain. Several studies show that this poor posture can end up in chronic pain and even spinal problems. Experts recommend holding your smartphone at eye level, with your head up and shoulders back.
Also, while typing or using touch navigation, one should try holding their device at a slight 30-degree angle, as this could potentially reduce strain on the neck and spine.
For those who stream movies using their smartphones, a phone stand or holder that keeps the device at an ergonomic angle would reduce the burden on the neck and back muscles.
Did you know that excessive texting and holding your phone can cause conditions such as thumb tendonitis and cell phone elbow? These conditions are an outcome of repeated motions such as texting or keeping your elbow bent when holding the phone close to the ear.
People who have to attend long calls should switch the device between their ears every few minutes and take breaks using headphones to prevent cell phone elbow. And serial texters should avoid using just one hand. Holding the phone with both hands may minimise the strain on the thumb. Experts recommend keeping wrists straight to avoid inflammation around the joints. Yes, smartphone use can also lead to inflammation around joints in the hands, fingers, wrists, and neck.
A tried and tested method to protect your eyes. If your job entails looking at screens all day long, then this is mandatory. Based on the rule, users need to look away from the screen every 20 minutes and focus their vision on something that is 20 feet away for a total of 20 seconds.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 20 seconds is what it takes for the eyes to reset and relax. Long hours of staring at a screen can cause eye strain, which may inadvertently cause headaches, fatigue, and blurred vision.
Besides, some minor adjustments, such as setting brightness to match ambient light, maintaining proper room light, and increasing font size, can also reduce eye strain. Blinking frequently is vital as it keeps the eyes moist, preventing dryness and irritation.
