While it is well known that excessive text messaging can result in sore thumbs, less is known about its possible effects on the neck, arms and hands. Young adults with symptoms in these parts of the body use a different technique when texting, according to a new study.

Ergonomist Ewa Gustafsson studied mobile phone habits among 56 young adults who text- message on a daily basis. Half of the subjects reported problems with the neck, arms or hands, while the other half had no such symptoms.

Her thesis shows that mobile phone users with neck, arm or hand symptoms tend to use their mobile phones differently than seen in a healthy control group. “Those with symptoms more often text-messaged hunched over. Just like when using a computer, such posture should be avoided,” says Gustafsson.

Subjects with neck, arm or hand problems tended to use one thumb to text instead of two. That thumb and hand was therefore used with a higher speed and was given fewer breaks.

There were also differences in terms of work technique, thumb movements and muscular activity. The thumb movements were assessed with an electrogoniometer, a device used to measure muscle activity within specific ranges of motion, and that muscular activity was analyzed through electromyography (using electrodes to measure electrical activity in muscles).

Ergonomically Correct Text Messaging
Don’t sit in the same position for a long time; instead, try to vary your position. Use the chair’s backrest. Relieve your forearms by resting them against a desk or your thighs. Use both thumbs. Lift the phone up in front of your face. Avoid hunching over for a long time. Give your thumbs a break when typing long messages and don’t type too fast. It’s not a race, just a text message!

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com.