Instant Text Messaging – Health Concerns

Millions of people stay connected using text messaging, the instant text messaging that occurs between cell phones. As much as communication is usually a good thing, instant text messaging is now being linked to health concerns.

According to one doctor in Manila, people who practiced prolonged instant messaging from their cell phone number pads are exhibiting symptoms of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). This injury causes damage to soft body tissue from repeated physical movements, such as holding a cell phone and using the same small finger movement over and over again.

Symptoms of RSI related to messaging include pain and muscle spasms in the thumb and index finger and sore shoulders.

Considered the text messaging capital of the world, with more than 100 million messages texted each day in the nation, it comes as no surprise that this instant messaging malady would surface in the Philippines. Doctors warn that repetitive instant messaging over a prolonged period of time could eventually lead to degenerative arthritis.

A survey of young cell phone users in Korea showed that 31 percent send more than 30 text messages a day. Ten percent of these teens said they experienced shoulder or hand pain when they play games or sent instant messages on their cell phones.

Mental strain is also being linked to instant messaging from cell phones. The British Priory clinic is apparently treating patients who are addicted to text messaging. The addicted instant messengers exhibit symptoms common to other addictions such as lack of sleep, eyestrain and increased agitation.

Also see; cell phones and your health.

Author Notes:

Jack Adams contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.cell-phones-n-plans.com. A cell phone industry resource that features service plan comparisons, cellular phone reviews and articles.