In the digital age, smartphones have changed the way we connect, work, and enjoy ourselves. However, an invisible danger waits under their slick exteriors, which we often overlook. According to a top physiotherapist in Mankhurd associated with Kamalika’s Physiotherapy, smartphones have the potential to act as a silent promoter of repetitive strain injury (RSI). Although these technologies are essential in daily life, it is essential to remember the potential adverse effects on physical health.
To make you aware, in this blog post, we will look at the harmful effects of constant smartphone usage and how they contribute to the alarming rise of RSI.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) – Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is a disorder resulting from repeated actions that strain or affect ligaments, muscles, and nerves. It affects the upper body, specifically the wrists, hands, arms, and throat. While RSI can be caused by a variety of activities, including typing, playing a musical instrument, or working in a manufacturing plant, excessive smartphone use has also been considered a major risk factor.
4 Potential Risks of Continued Smartphone Usage
- Poor Ergonomics – The poor ergonomic design of smartphones is a major source of RSI. Unlike personal computers or laptops, which feature adjustable screen heights and external peripherals, smartphones lack suitable ergonomics. Constantly using cell phones in unusual wrist and finger positions causes excessive strain on the muscles and ligaments, eventually leading to RSI.
- Texting and Gaming – Texting and gaming are two activities that have transformed smartphone use while also significantly increasing the number of RSI symptoms. Typing and scrolling for lengthy periods can strain the thumb tendons, leading to illnesses such as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Neck and Shoulder Problems – Another concern associated with cell phones is how they are carried and used. Excessive screen time can strain the neck and upper back muscles. This produces stress and discomfort, leading to diseases like ‘text neck’ or ‘tech neck,’ which can cause severe pain and stiffness.
- Impact on Sleep Patterns – Smartphone screens produce blue light that prevents the generation of melatonin hormone, which regulates sleep patterns. This is linked to poor quality sleep, insomnia, and memory loss, along with promoting RSI symptoms.
A Few Preventive Techniques Against RSI
- Ergonomic Awareness – To ease muscle and tendon stress, try to keep the gadget at eye level, take pauses frequently, and use external keyboards or voice assistance technology.
- Stretching and Exercise – Regular hand and wrist stretching exercises, as well as shoulder and neck exercises, can increase strength and flexibility while lowering the risk of RSI. In this regard, seeking advice from a top physiotherapist in Mankhurd may also be helpful.
- Limiting Usage – Maintaining a healthy technological lifestyle by actively reducing time spent on smartphones may greatly reduce the risk of RSI. Scheduling device-free intervals and taking proper rest, may assist in improving both physical and mental health.
Conclusion
Following the above discussion regarding the potential of RSI, it’s important to manage our smartphone use before losing control of our whole body. Let’s start it today!
