What exactly produces the problem? Holding a cell phone to the ear causes the elbow to bend, thereby stretching the nerve between muscles and tendons. When the arm is bent for long periods of time, the nerve gets inflamed. “Repetitive, sustained stretching of the nerve is like stepping on a garden hose,” said Dr. Peter J. Evans, director of the Cleveland Clinic’s Hand and Upper Extremity Center. “With the hose, you’re blocking the flow of water. With the elbow, you’re blocking the blood flow to the nerve, which causes it to misfire and short circuit.” The first symptom of cell phone elbow is usually pain just below the elbow in the forearm. This is usually followed by the sensation of pins and needles in the pinkie and ring finger. In the most severe case those fingers can curl up and become difficult to use.

The good news is that the condition is easily preventable and treatable. Users are simply encouraged to avoid holding their phone in one position for too long in order to reduce the amount of strain on the affected muscles. For those who are already feeling strain, it is advisable to do simple stretches in order to help prevent some of the damage.

And, of course, a quiet walk in the park or along the beach with your cell phone turned off or, better yet, left behind, would not only go along way in reducing cell phone elbow, but it might do a lot to improve the health of your psyche as well!

This study was published in the May issue of the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine.

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There are many causes for epicondylitis – not just tennis and golf – as any activity or sport that involves repetitive gripping of objects can result in this problem. Inappropriate wrist and arm posture while carrying heavy bags, knitting, chopping food, and/or using a computer can also produce “tennis” or “golfer’s” elbow. Using improper techniques when starting any sport, testing out new rackets or clubs, or increasing the intensity or duration of an activity or exercise can also cause the problem.

Some cases involving epicondylitis can be related to difficulties farther up the arm or even in the neck. The nerves that control the forearm muscles may become inflamed due to a disc complication or spinal subluxation, consequently causing the muscles to tense and putting undue strain on the tendon attachment(s).  In these circumstances, it predisposes a person to elbow pain from any of the above-mentioned causes. Complications such as further subluxations and arthritis can occur if the problem is not treated. Evaluation and care by a qualified chiropractor, such as your Fort Worth Chiropractor can fix the condition and eliminate future complications.

Epicondylitis is a condition that rarely resolves of its own accord and so requires proper health management. Determination of the exact cause of the problem and a treatment plan are extremely important. In your chiropractor’s office this might include modalities such as ultrasound, electro-therapy, massage, hot and cold therapies, bracing, and home stretching and exercises. chiropractic care has proved, as a rule, to be extremely effective in the most comprehensive management of epicondylities.

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