There are many diseases related to the use of the mobile phone. Here we show some that are backed by extensive scientific evidence.
INSOMNIA
The light of the mobile phone or other screen seconds before going to sleep can cause many episodes of insomnia.
There is scientific evidence that blue light alters levels of melatonin, a hormone responsible for sleep regulation. Excess light means less melatonin is created, which is why the body gets used to being awake during the day. In this case, roughly, that artificial burst of blue light from the phone, suppressing melatonin, fools the body into thinking it should be awake— that it’s daytime, not night.
According to the University of Houston, study participants who wore glasses that block blue light three hours before going to bed for two weeks increased the amount of melatonin produced by 58%.
TEXT NECK
Text neck is what is known as a "technological disease" caused by the neck forward repeatedly and for a long time to write text messages on cell phones. This can generate cervical pain and stiffness, poor posture, back pain, headaches and tendinopathies, among other pathologies.
According to a study published by CBS News, we humans spend two hours with a bowed neck due to the use of the smartphone. This equals 700 to 1,400 hours a year. The head of an adult weighs between four and five kilos, but includes about 60 degrees to look at the screen of the cell phone, puts a pressure of almost 30 kilos to the cervical vertebrae. Therefore, it is proven that the "text collar" can cause dysfunctions in the cervical neuromusculoskeletal system. If over time the spine does not work well, joint alignment can be altered and cause: herniated disc, cervicoarthrosis, contractures, head and back pain.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of this nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel – a narrow passage in the wrist made up of bones and tissue which acts as a pulley for the tendons which bend the fingers.
Scientists have found just five hours on smart phones and tablets a day may increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Our obsessive tapping, swiping and scrolling is causing severe pain in people's hands and wrists, a study published in the journal Muscle & Nerve found. These repetitive movements compress the median nerve which runs through the hand, leading to burning, tingling and potential permanent nerve damage.
REFERENCES
Figueiro,M.G.,Wood,B.,Plitnick,B.,&Rea,M.S(2011).Theimpactoflightfromcomputermonitorsonmelatoninlevelsincollegestudents.BiogenicAmines,106–116.
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