How to Text to Avoid Sore Thumbs, Neck, Arms, or Hands
After sending multiple text messages, it is evident that one may experience sore thumbs, less is known about its possible effects on the neck, arms, and hands. According to the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, young adults who experience painful symptoms in these areas use a different technique while texting.
Ergonomist Ewa Gustafsson studied mobile phone habits among 56 young adults who text message on a daily basis. Among the group, half reported problems with the neck, arms, or hands, while the other half had no such symptoms.
Gustafsson says, “Those with these specific symptoms often text messaged hunched over. Just like with a computer, such posture should be avoided.”
According to the experiment, those with neck, arm, or hand problems tended to text message using one thumb instead of two. The one thumb was used at a greater speed and was granted little time for breaks. “Those with such problems should not text message using this method,” says Gustafsson. “They should use both thumbs to reduce the strain on their hands. Instead, these individuals use the single-thumb technique to a larger extent than those without problems.”
After conducting an interview with 25 young adults who use mobile phones and computers to communicate, Gustafsson warned them that there are also risks in participating in new-age technology. “Those interviewed related health risks to long-term usage, bad work posture, and reduced physical activity,” says Gusafsson.
How can you correct these bad habits? 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 on your desk or thighs. Use both of your thumbs. Avoid hunching over for long periods of time. Give your thumbs a break when typing long messages and don’t type too fast. good luck 2 u.
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