October is National Ergonomics Month, and while many of us typically think of ergonomics in terms of our computer workstation set-up, there is an increasing trend of ergonomic problems associated with handheld devices; specifically, text messaging on cell phones. The American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) past President Donna Breger Stanton, MA, OTR/L, CHT, FAOTA warned in a Consumer Alert that, “Handheld electronics may require prolonged grips, repetitive motion on small buttons and awkward wrist movements. This combination can lead to an increased susceptibility to hand, wrist and arm ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis”.

Growing Texting Trends

Earlier this year, ABC News reported on an Illinois teen who was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome attributed to texting up to 100 times per day. The doctor prescribed wrist braces, cortisone injections and surgery. Teenagers are notorious for their text messaging habits, and research shows that adults are becoming increasingly reliant on this technology. Pew Research Center, in its Internet & American Life Project research, found that teen texting averages 50 messages per day compared to 10 messages per day for adults. While not yet reaching the levels of teen texting, adult texting is definitely on the rise. The Nielsen Company, at the request of the Wall Street Journal, analyzed cell phone bills of over 60,000 subscribers. They found that adults ages 45 to 54 sent and received 323 text messages per month in the second quarter of this year, up 75 percent from a year ago. Pew Research Center also found that adult text messaging has increased. They found that 72 percent of adults send and receive text messages, up from 65 percent in September 2009.

How to Minimize the Risks

So what can we do to prevent physical problems associated with texting? ASHT has designed the following guidelines for safer use of handheld electronics and portable devices:

• If you have pain during the activity, stop. Pain is one of the ways your body is letting you know that you are overextending a particular muscle group.
• Use a neutral grip when holding the device. A neutral grip is when the wrist is straight, not bent in either direction. This will allow for wrist motion in a plane where more motion is available in the wrist.
• Take a break every few minutes or switch to another activity. Overuse of repetitive motions, such as pressing buttons, can cause tendonitis of the elbow or lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (tendon or nerve irritation).
• If possible, place pillows in your lap and rest arms on pillows or use the device supported on a desk or tabletop. This will allow you to keep your head in a more upright position and therefore decrease neck strain. The pillows or desk will help support the arms so they do not have to be held up in the air.
• Sit in an appropriate chair. This is a chair that allows you to put your feet comfortably on the floor and also provides good back support.
• Switch hands frequently and vary the use of fingers/ digits. This will allow the one hand or other fingers/digits to rest and reduce fatigue.
• Frequently look away from the screen and focus on a distant object to help reduce eye fatigue.

As with computer use, posture is key when it comes to handheld devices. Breger Stanton advises “Watch your posture. People may strain their elbows and wrists by leaning or slouching for a long period of time while working on these tiny keyboards. If you are feeling discomfort or lack of circulation in your arms and hands while working on a handheld device, you could by laying the groundwork for more pain in the future.” ASHT also recommends performing hand and wrist exercises to reduce the risk of injuries when using handheld electronics.

For more information, please contact CPEhr’s Risk Management Department.