Technology is a wonderful thing. It makes our lives easier and encourages innovation. Too lazy to change the channel on the TV? That’s what the remote is for. Too impatient to wait for that food to cook? That’s what the microwave is for. But alas, we must be careful. Technology can also cause us physical pain and suffering. How, you may ask? Read to find out…
1.) Blackberry Thumb
Convenient communication tool, or harbringer of broken thumbs?
Text often? Thumbs ever feel sore after a hard day of texting and using your phone? That’s Blackberry Thumb. Blackberry Thumb is named after the popular cell phone brand, which is notable for its users’ heavy use of the keypad to send emails, texts, and documents. Symptoms of Blackberry Thumb include soreness, discomfort, and inability to stop texting. and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly one-third of all workplace injuries are related to muscular disorders, i.e. injuries like Blackberry Thumb. Some people have even had torn tendons and have required surgery on their thumbs from so much usage. They call it the “Crackberry” for a reason.
The cure: Stop texting (if that’s possible), and rest for your thumbs for a few days and you’ll be as good as new. Try talking on the phone for once.
2.) Cell Phone Elbow
When you’re on your cell phone for a long time, do you ever feel your arm sore? Your pinky and ring fingers go numb? You have experienced Cell Phone Elbow. Having your elbow bent for long periods of time causes muscle soreness and irritation, disrupt blood flow, and even cause nerve damage. The pain and damage can even be so long-term that some people require braces on their elbows whenever they talk on the phone. Even worse, Cell Phone Elbow has caused others such severe damage that they forever lose their muscle control in the elbow.
The cure: Switch hands when on the phone, hang up, unbend your elbow, or use a hands-free set.
3.) Guitar Hero Wrist
What? You think I’m joking? Guitar Hero Wrist is a serious ailment. In fact, in 2006, Detroit Tigers pitcher Joel Zumaya could not pitch for three games in the American League Championship Series because he injured himself playing the video game Guitar Hero. If a professional athlete can get taken down by this, then us non-professionals have no chance.
The cure: Stay away from Guitar Hero.
4.) Wii Injuries
This could be you
Okay look, the Wii is a fun console. It’s fun to play golf and bowl. However, it’s one of the most dangerous weapons humans have ever invented. The wiimote strap breaks, causing bruises, broken limbs, destroyed television screens and many more. If you’re interested in the many injuries Wii can cause, check out WiiInjury.com. It’s a great site to check out the ugly side of Wii.
The cure: Make sure that wiimote is locked in tight.
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