Technology. It’s all around us – and what would we do without it?! But oh, the pain.
From the moment we wake up until the time we go to bed, most of us are spending more and more time on our laptops, computers, tablets, and cellphones for both work and entertainment.
By now most of us have experienced how all this screen time is causing a lot of pain and stress. It can be hard on the body, and the mind too.
When you discover that you are in a painful relationship with technology it is time to book an appointment with a Registered Massage Therapist. They will determine the best treatment for your condition. In this blog we will discuss important syndromes, the symptoms to watch for, and how massage therapy can help.
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)
Repetitive strain injuries occur as a result of repeated movements and actions. The use of computers and screens has increased tremendously in all spheres of our lives – both professionally and personally over the past few decades. As a result of this we are seeing more and more patients suffering from RSIs to the hands, arms, shoulders and back resulting from the overuse of the computer keyboard and mouse.
RSI Symptoms:
If you are a regular computer user and experience any of the following symptoms, you could be suffering from a computer related RSI.
- Tightness, discomfort, stiffness in the hands, wrists and fingers
- Tingling or numbness in the hands
- Loss of strength and coordination in the hands
- Constant pain in the upper back, shoulders or neck
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful, common condition. Most often it is typing at a keyboard for extended periods of time that causes pinched nerves in the wrists. At first, symptoms tend to come and go. But over time, they occur more often and become worse.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms:
If you are experiencing any of the following common symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome visit on of our Registered Massage Therapists to get treatment and relief:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness in your wrists or hands
- Fingers feel swollen, but do not look it
- Pain and tingling travelling up arm to shoulder
- Shock sensations that come and go in your thumb and fingers
Computer Back Syndrome
Many jobs these days require long hours of computer use. If this is your current situation you might be dealing with back pain issues. Sitting in front of a laptop or computer for hours on end can result in unnatural curvature of the spine and rounded shoulders, leading to back pain and strain. Don’t let this impact your daily activities. Whether it’s lumbar aches or chronic back pain, an RMT will design a tailored massage treatment plan to address all of your back concerns.
Computer Back Pain Syndrome Symptoms:
If you tend to sit with rounded shoulders or with your head forward and down, then you might just be at risk for computer back pain which is the natural result of sitting in an incorrect posture for too long. If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms please see a Massage Therapist for treatment and relief:
- Excessive muscle tension in the chest, neck, arms, shoulders, back, hips, forearms, thighs, legs, and/or abdomen.
- Tension headaches that stem from tight muscles in your neck
- Trigger points in your muscles caused by strain
- Frequent sprains in the muscles of your back, neck, and even ribs
Text Neck Syndrome
Texting, emailing, and scrolling through social media sites—smartphones are a major part of many people’s lives. But continuously staring down at your screen or holding a smartphone between your ear and shoulder can put a huge strain on your neck muscles. Over time, the neck forward position can cause muscles to ache and spasm. If you are dealing with text neck, a massage therapist can help relieve pain, numbness, and tingling in your neck and shoulder muscles.
Regular visits to an RMT will go a long way to treating and preventing your health issues and helping you to type, swipe, and “like” without pain and strain.
Text Neck Symptoms:
- Pain in the neck, upper back, and/or shoulder
- Forward head posture and rounded shoulders
- Reduced mobility
- Headaches
- Increased pain when neck flexion
Massage Therapy Treatments
Registered Massage Therapists are educated to treat the symptoms of Repetitive Strain Injuries, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Computer Back Syndrome, and Text Neck Syndrome.
If you are in a painful relationship with technology – we can help! Talk to us to find out more about the best treatments for your conditions to get relief from pain and to learn how to use your technology in a healthy way.
