Like many young people today, I own a BlackBerry and can say (from experience) that it is harder than you think to put down or to not use it for a long period of time.
It has the convenience of everything being in one place: BlackBerry Messenger, Facebook, Twitter, the Internet, Maps, and hundreds of apps.
Even though it is one of the most popular devices today it does, like everything else, lead to health problems.
I found some information that was very enlightening that may help your “BlackBerry addiction.”
BlackBerry thumb is a neologism that posits a form of repetitive strain injury caused by the frequent use of
the thumbs to press buttons on PDAs, smart phones, or other mobile devices. The name of the condition comes from the BlackBerry, a popular brand of smartphones that debuted in 1999.
Part of the rationale is that the thumb does not have the dexterity that the other four fingers have, and that it is especially common in those who use these devices for such activities at high speeds comparable to that of touch typing.
Who Gets BlackBerry Thumb?
Together with several other repetitive stress injuries that are showing up in this fast-paced, technology-focused era is a malady known as BlackBerry thumb. Actually, we can overuse any personal digital assistant (PDA), resulting in tenderness or pain in the thumb, the base of the thumb, and wrist.
Red flags that signal a need to change how we use PDAs, and possibly a need to consult with a qualified health care professional, are occasional aches in any or all of those areas. Left untreated, BlackBerry thumb
can develop into severe pain, weakness, and even disability.
What Causes It?
BlackBerry thumb is the result of asking the thumb joints to repeatedly perform the same action too often. Excessive tapping, flicking, and clicking do thumbs no favors. Some sports enthusiasts make themselves “work through the pain.” They believe that by pushing the body beyond its current limits, it will gradually become accustomed to new demands placed on it. That approach does not work with joints. And since BlackBerry thumb is a joint problem, forcing thumbs to go above and beyond will only lead to further trouble.
What Are Some Typical Treatments?
Treatment typically consists of resting or splinting the thumb. Medical doctors may suggest anti-inflammatory
medicines, cortisone injections, and, as a last resort, surgery.
What Might a Doctor of Chiropractic Suggest?
Doctors of chiropractic are educated to use a variety of non-drug, non-surgical approaches to BlackBerry thumb. Giving your thumbs a chance to start the healing process may include a program of rest, thumb strapping, and gentle stretches or targeted massage. A DC may decide to use Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) to help alleviate the problem. One of the better-known such techniques
is Graston Technique®, which utilizes stainless steel instruments in the hands of practitioners skilled at
treating damaged soft tissues. Certain nutritional supplements can help in the inflammation and swelling.
How Is It Diagnosed?
X-ray and exam findings can determine if a patient has BlackBerry thumb.
What Can I Do To Help Myself?
Whatever we might wish them to do, doctors cannot simply make BlackBerry thumb “go away” without the cooperation of the patient. Moderation and flexibility in how we use PDAs are key. When it comes to BlackBerry thumb, the following tips can make our PDAs do what they were designed to do: serve us, not hurt us:
- Avoid typing for more than three minutes without a break.
- Hold the PDA comfortably and close to the body.
- Insert it into a holder and set it on a desk or a briefcase.
- Turn the device off on weekends or at least on Sundays.
- Decide that you will check emails and text messages just four times a day.
- Cut back on the number of keystrokes and keep messages short and simple.
- Abbreviate.
- Consider using the AutoText feature.
- If a message must be longer, use your computer keyboard, not your PDA.
- Practice using other fingers for typing especially when thumbs hurt.
- If thumbs are in pain, use a thumb or wrist support.
- Pay attention to your grip. Keep wrists upright and straight.
- Don’t slouch while texting. Slouchers often develop neck pain, in addition to thumb pain.
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