Technology has been responsible for some everyday wonders that expand our minds and make our lives easier"wonders that simplify redundant and monotonous tasks and keep us in constant contact. Because of these marvels though, we have also become aware of the potential harms caused by the use of technology's devices and the science of ergonomics that has helped us learn how to prevent or correct the problems caused by their repetitive use. The U.S. Department of Labor defines a MSD (musculoskeletal disorder) as an injury or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, or spinal discs caused by repetitive motion and overexertion. Now MSD, RSI (repetitive stress injury), "tennis or golfer's elbow" (tendonitis) and carpel tunnel syndrome have been joined by another repetitive motion injury term, "BlackBerry Thumb" BlackBerry Thumb has become an all-encompassing phrase for the overuse of small keypad devices that populate the mobile handheld world. Much like "Gamer's Thumb" has plagued the young, many tech savvy business executives and road warriors among us are now suffering from what is known as DeQuervain's disease or BlackBerry Thumb. Typing with your thumbs to answer email or record vital client contact information, even dialing your cell phone with your thumb can contribute to or cause BlackBerry Thumb. The thumb is stronger than the other digits of the hand but it isn't very dexterous. The pain caused from overuse of the thumb is caused by swelling of the sheath of the tendon. Use of a stylus when typing on small keyboards or better yet investing in an external keyboard has been suggested to prevent injury. If you find you are already suffering from BlackBerry Thumb, rest of the hand and ice should help but if it doesn't you may need to consult your physician. For more information regarding the study of ergonomics and repetitive stress injuries and ergo safety tips visit Cornell University Ergonomics Web at http://www.ergo.human.cornell.edu/, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration website at http://www.osha.gov/ or the Bureau of Labor Statistics at http://www.bls.gov/ |
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