What is Text Thumb & How Can Acupuncture Help?

With the constant use and over-reliance of our mobile devices such as the smart phones or tablets, it is unsurprising that a new physical ailment would develop such as ‘text thumb’. Our tendency to over-use our thumbs repetitively when using mobile devices is what causes the problem. Depending on which direction of movement that causes the increased pain on the thumb, the source of the problem can be commonly found within the forearm or the wrist. It is also common that the problem can be found at the thumb joint as well.

One thing to consider regarding the wrist is that there is a major nerve that passes through and acts as the main activator of the hand and fingers. This nerve is called the median nerve. When this nerve gets impinged or ‘squeezed’, numbness occurs and can go all the way down to the middle finger causing weakness in one’s grip often being diagnosed with ‘carpal tunnel syndrome’.

As an experiment, let’s look at the wrist where this nerve runs. It’s located at the center of the wrist and when you position the thumb forward (in front of the palm of the hand), you’ll notice that area of the wrist starting to stiffen up. Now imagine if this thumb is consistently locked in that forward position and applying constant pressure and stiffness on the median nerve. Eventually the thumb will be in pain causing weakness of both the thumb and the hand.

Fast Relief Acupuncture has an effective protocol for fixing this common ailment. With the use of acupuncture, manual therapy, and balance taping can ease the tension of the muscles involved in the ‘text thumb’ problems but also help maintain its flexibility as well. If getting acupuncture needles on this area is not your thing, no worries. There is also a non-invasive treatment protocol that works as equally effective!