Move over carpal tunnel: Now there’s cell phone elbow
June 4, 2009 by Fred HosierPosted in: In this week's e-newsletter, Injuries, Latest News & Views, ergonomics
Talking for long periods on a cell phone really can cause injury.
Introducing “cell phone elbow” (CPE), numbness, tingling and pain in the forearm and hand caused by compression of the ulnar nerve, which passes along the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. (The ulnar nerve is what causes the pain when you hit your “funny bone.”)
It’s a real medical condition that’s known as cubital tunnel syndrome.
It’s caused by prolonged flexing of the elbow, such as when you hold a cell phone to your ear. It’s also an occupational injury suffered by people who type and others who work with their elbows bent tighter than 90 degrees.
Holding the elbow in a bent position for long periods can lead to decreased blood flow, inflammation and compression of the nerve.
Occupational therapists report this is the second most common compression syndrome. Carpal tunnel is most common.
Hand-free headsets can help alleviate symptoms. Another option: switch hands every ten minutes while speaking on a cell phone.
If you know of employees whose tasks require frequent elbow bending, look into modifying their workstations so the elbows aren’t overly flexed. And let them know that frequent cell phone use can contribute to this syndrome.
For more on cubital tunnel syndrome, click here.
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Tags: carpal tunnel syndrome, cell phone elbow, cubital tunnel syndrome
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June 10th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Cell phone elbow…a rare second cousin to Nintendo thumb?
June 15th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
How come we’ve never heard of land line elbow?
June 15th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
I agree G. The land line phones are held with a bent elbow also. And I think the pain in my neck is from using my shoulder to hold the phone to my ear. So, phone neck is next.
August 3rd, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Cell phone elbow is also known as “cellbow” or its official name, cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS).
CuTS is a repetitive stress injury (RSI) that can result in moderate to severe pain and numbness in the elbow and ring & little fingers. Untreated, CuTS can result in extreme pain, surgery or an unusable hand.
The problem occurs where the ulnar nerve passes around the elbow. The nerve rests in a groove called the cubital tunnel tucked behind the bony point on the elbow. Repeated stretching or hitting this nerve results in numbness, shocks and pain, similar to what you feel when you hit your “funny bone.”
The ulnar nerve can be stretched and irritated by talking on a cellphone frequently or for long periods. If you cannot reduce your cell phone use, the next best solution is to buy an earpiece that allows you to talk on your phone hands-free.
If any of your readers are afflicted with cellbow, they may wish to visit our Cubital-Tunnel.com forums where they can share their experiences, ask questions and get answers about their condition.