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 whys and wherefores for epicondylitis – not just tennis and golf – as any activity or sport that involves repetitive gripping of objects can result in this problem. Improper wrist and arm posture while carrying heavy bags, knitting, chopping food, and/or using a computer are additional causes of “tennis” or “golfer’s” elbow. Using awkward techniques when beginning any sport, trying out new rackets or clubs, or extending the intensity or duration of an activity or exercise can also produce the condition.

A number of cases involving epicondylitis can be related to complications farther up the arm or even in the neck. If a person has a disc complication or spinal subluxation, the nerves that give movement to the forearm muscles may become inflamed making the muscles tense and placing marked strain on the tendon attachment(s).  When this happens, it predisposes a person to elbow pain from any of the above-mentioned causes. Complications such as further subluxations and arthritis can take place if the condition is ignored. Evaluation and treatment by a qualified chiropractor, such as your Mount Laurel chiropractor can correct the problem and assisting in avoiding future complications.

Epicondylitis is a condition that rarely resolves of its own accord and so requires proper health management. A qualified professional such as a chiropractor can determine the exact cause of the problem and initiate the proper care and treatment. In a chiropractic clinic this might include modalities such as ultrasound, electro-therapy, massage, hot and cold therapies, bracing, and home stretching and exercises. Chiropractic care has proved, repeatedly, to be extraordinarily successful in the most comprehensive management of epicondylities.

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