The increasing use of smartphones and laptops is leading to an increasing number of bone-related problems. Learn about five different types of bone problems related to this condition.
Our daily lives are highly intertwined with technology and prolonged use of electronic devices to perform daily activities. This can severely affect our bone health and lead to unbearable pain. People often adopt poor posture while using smartphones, tablets, laptops, and televisions for prolonged periods. Excessive pain can be experienced in the spine and neck leading to musculoskeletal disorders. If neglected, it can put too much pressure on our joints and bones contributing to chronic (long-term) pain followed by serious conditions like osteoarthritis.
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India.com I got in touch with Dr Anup Khatri, Senior Consultant, Orthopaedics, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, and he told me about five bone problems that can be caused by excessive use of laptops and mobile devices.
5 Bone Problems Caused by Spending Too Much Time in Front of a Screen
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: This is a condition that occurs due to intense pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. Repeated use of fingers to type on keyboards or smartphones for hours can cause a feeling of numbness and tingling. It may be difficult to maintain a strong grip on objects or carry things due to weak muscles. If carpal tunnel syndrome is not treated, it can cause disability and permanent deterioration of the hand or wrist.
- Tech Neck: This condition refers to the pain and discomfort that occurs when staring at electronic devices, such as laptops or mobile devices, for an extended period of time. When the head is tilted forward, extreme tension is placed on the muscles of the neck and cervical spine. Difficulty moving from side to side or up and down without extra effort may be experienced. People should not ignore symptoms such as shoulder stiffness, persistent headache, especially at the base of the skull, and limited range of motion in the arms and wrists.
- Osteoporosis of the spine: Sitting in a bad posture for a long period of time can cause serious damage to the spine. Not only can this weaken the bones, but it also increases the risk of fractures or injuries more easily. People who are obsessively glued to their screens or electronic devices without taking necessary breaks or engaging in physical activities can develop spinal deformities and pain.
- Tendinitis: Using your hands on a keyboard or mouse can not only cause pain, but also inflammation of the tendons in your wrist and hand. It can lead to tennis elbow, trigger fingers, or wrist synovitis. It is often overlooked as a normal pain that can ease on its own. However, delaying medical treatment can only worsen the symptoms, which will be followed by severe pain.
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): As the name suggests, subjecting muscles, tendons, and nerves to extreme stress on a repetitive basis can lead to several conditions. It significantly affects soft tissues, contributing to bone problems over time. If left untreated, it can lead to misalignment of the spine, indicating underlying health issues such as scoliosis or kyphosis.
