"Cell Phone Elbow": New Sign Of Times

(CBS)  You've heard of Blackberry Thumb, Guitar Hero Wrist and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The latest over-use or repetitive motion injury to join the Digital Age list is Cell Phone Elbow, says CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton.

It's known in the medical community as Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, Ashton said on The Early Show Wednesday.

It's caused by too much bending of your arm to put a cell phone to your ear, Ashton explains. That compresses the ulnar nerve, which runs along the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. Pressure on the nerve causes it to get compressed like a garden hose. Of course, when that happens to a hose, it impedes the flow of water. It's the same when the elbow is constantly flexed: It impairs blood flow and causes pain, typically in the lateral part of the ring finger and then your pinkie. And it can be debilitating. Other symptoms could include numbness and tingling or pain in the forearm and hand, similar to the unpleasant sensation of hitting your "funny bone," which is really the ulnar nerve. As symptoms progress, you could even lose muscle strength and mobility, making writing and typing difficult.

Physicians are seeing much more Cell Phone Elbow as the number of the devices in use continues to climb. In fact, it's the second-most common compression syndrome the Cleveland Clinic treats, behind Carpal Tunnel.

To help reverse Cell Phone Elbow, Ashton suggests using a hands-free cell phone, rotating the arm you use, or using cell phones less -- she refers to it as "alleviating the offending action."

It can be treated with injections, ultrasound to loosen scar tissue that forms around the nerve, physical therapy, or chiropractic care..

"This is the same thing for people on the computer," Ashton said. "Anyone who's leaning on their elbow during the day a lot ... can get compression injury to this nerve."

[IzZeh805]

This is interesting information. Recently I had surgery on my left arm due to my ulnar nerve being constricted by the tendent. The surgeon told me I had built up a lot of scare tissue in the tendent and we didn't know where it was from. Let alone Im currently learning to be an animator and being of a young adult I was worried of my situation.

I would VERY VERY much suggest to a person now a days to go see a doc immediately about the situation if it happens to someone. I'm starting to notice this problem is happening to my right hand now, and since I'm a animator my hand is my life almost!!!

I just hope I can scrape up some cash now to get a blue tooth :<

[loveOT]

As a new grad, I want to stress the importance of occupational therapy. Occupational therapists (OTs) specialize in treatment of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity such carpel tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and golfers elbow. We have additional education in ergonomics and modalities (example: ultrasound).

The most important take away here is that an injury such as 'cell phone elbow' restricts you from being able to do the things you want/need to do. OTs can help you get back to your social 'occupation' of talking on the phone through adaptive/alternate strategies in addition to the use of modalities. This area is not strictly a physical therapy area of practice.

[Slrman-21001573651763300012869]

How about not having the phone glued to your ear ten hours a day? You're not that important and no one wants to talk to you that much. Try getting a life.

[erlyAngel_mia]

I think Jennifer Ashton's "you need to get out more often" comment to Harry was uncalled for and disrespectful. Ever hear of diplomacy? Who do you think you are coming in with your boring cell phone elbow topic anyway? Give the guy a break will ya! Let's face it, the show could certainly do without you but not Harry as far as I am concerned. I am so tired with all the garbage all the other stations put out especially the ones in Miami. Waking up to the core early 'team' is a breath of fresh air. It gets me going in the morning and I want to thank Harry, Maggie, Julie and Dave for an interesting, fun and professional show. You guys have great chemistry and it shows.

Cheers :)

[jetranger7]

Well I've got Worker Back,, from having to get up and go to Work,,,,, which I am beginning to hate anymore,,, can I stay home ????

[estai777]

forget the elbow.....what about the radiation and the possibility of getting brain cancer down the line.
http://cbs3.com/health/cell.phone.health.2.779327.html

[ShadowTwo]

I had this problem, though I rarely use a cell phone. I do, however, do quite a bit of work on the 'puter. My right pinkie and ring finger went numb and I was unable to close my fingers or make a fist. It turned out that I had to have surgery and move the ulnar nerve. I was in a wrist-to-bicep cast for six weeks. It took months of physical therapy and exercises before I could bring all my fingers together, and bring my pinkie to my thumb. My advice would be: if you start to feel weakness in your thumb or pinkie, get to a neurologist as soon as possible.