Too Much Cell Phone Use Can Cause "Cell Phone Elbow"

Modern life is hard on the arms. Computers are making carpal tunnel syndrome a rampant condition. Harry Potter books are causing wrist and arm pain from youngsters holding up the giant tomes for hours on end. The newest addition to this list of conditions is caused by too much cell phone use.

"Cell phone elbow" is a new condition in which patients damage an essential arm nerve by bending their elbow tightly for too long, according to CNN.

Many of my younger friends seem to have a cell phone permanently affixed to their ears, but none of them have the condition. It seems to affect older people more often, since their nerves have already gone through years of wear and are weaker.

Cell phone elbow may sound funny, but it's apparently causing a lot of pain for some cell phone users.

When cell phone users holds the phone up to their ear, they overextend a nerve that runs through their arm and controls the smallest fingers. This stops the blood supply going to the nerve. If they hold that position for too long, it causes a tingling in the ring and small fingers.

At this point, you best change hands before things get any worse.

"Cell Phone Elbow" isn't the real name, of course. The condition is called cubital tunnel syndrome, and it can become pretty inconvenient if you use a cell phone for too many hours. It can eventually hinder tasks that involve fine movement of the hands: such as opening jars or playing musical instruments.

The nerve in question is called the ulnar nerve. It runs through the forearm and the hand. Although it's meant for stretching when you bend your arm, too much of this can cause it to weaken and scar.

The condition is not very common, but it can also be caused by leaning forward on the elbows for extended periods of time-people such as truckers or wheelchair users who lean on their elbows a lot can be especially susceptible.

In the worst case scenario, cubital tunnel syndrome requires surgery. But there are plenty of ways to avoid this situation.

Just like with any other repeated activity, doing the same action for extended periods of time will stress out a part of your body. Just try to avoid holding the phone up in your hand for hours on end. If you need to talk a lot on the phone, get a hands-free set.

Source: CNN article