Do You Suffer From Texting Thumb?

 By Dr. Maya Pande

Texting has become the communication mode of choice that many people use to keep in contact with their world. It's quick, easier than emailing and is available to anyone with a cell phone. It's actually kind of addictive once you start! As the incidence of texting increases, so does the incidence of hand and thumb strain. The small keyboards, the repetitive motions and the quick movements all lead to repetitive strain/sprain injuries of the hand, fingers and thumbs. This is becoming a common complaint among teenagers and young adults as well as with workaholics. There are a few things that you can do to decrease the chance of injury

Take a break! If texting often or a typing a long response during a conversation, stop every few moments to stretch your hand from its cramped position Take a breath! If the text you are typing is filled with an emotion, such as anger or frustration, there is no need to take that emotion out on the keyboard. The person at the other end will not feel your wrath if you stab at the letters!

Gently stretch out your hands, fingers and thumbs throughout the day -- even when you're not texting!

If your hands are already feeling the strain of excess testing, there are a few things you can do to alleviate the pain

Soak it! Add a quarter cup of Epsom salts to a bucket or large mixing bowl of warm water. Soak your hands in the solution for 15 minutes. Repeat everyday.

Ice it! Apply ice to any area of sprain and swelling. (Use mild heat if you have a history of arthritis.)

Chiropractic! Chiropractic treatments can pinpoint exactly where the problem is in your hand, which can reduce pain, swelling and healing time of your injury.

Instant communication is an important part of our lives now. But, just as we need to take a break from our computer keyboards, we need to take breaks from texting. Moderation will help greatly. Teens are especially susceptible to 'testing thumb' and repetitive strain injuries, so share this information with your teens if you have any. They are young enough that habits may have started already can be changed. Teach them the value of taking care of their bodies, including their thumbs, and they will grow into healthy adults, with healthy thumbs!Text smart and protect your hands. They're the only ones you've gotDr. Maya Pande is a Toronto Chiropractor and the owner of Pande Family Wellness Centre. She graduated from the University of Western Ontario and completed her Chiropractic education at Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, Missouri in 1997. Dr. Pande treats a variety of patients, including seniors, pregnant women, children and adults of all ages. Common conditions include low back pain, chronic neck pain, sciatic nerve pain, shoulder joint pain, headache and many others. The low-force chiropractic technique she uses is ideal for everyone especially those preferring a more gentle approach to chiropractic care. http://www.pandechiropractic.caArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Maya_Pande