Massage Therapy Journal Summer 2024

Summer 2024 • 35

5. Limited range of motion (ROM) . Hypercontraction of muscles and tendons leads to a reduced range of motion. This is an immediate effect resulting from holding unnatural positions that can cause a shortening of muscles and tendons and even the stiffening of tendinous sheaths during prolonged device use. 6. Carpal tunnel syndrome/tendinitis . Chronic friction of flexor tendons in the carpal tunnel of the wrist and tendinitis in the forearms are short-term consequences caused by repetitive hand movements and prolonged device use. 7. Shoulder, upper back and upper arm pain . Immediate discomfort can arise from strain or hypertonicity of any combination of these muscles, especially when they are compressed at the brachial plexus. Pain may present as dull and achy, or sharp and stabbing, and can be nervy if brachial nerve pathways are impinged by soft tissue. Long-term or Chronic Consequences of TNS 1. Osteoarthritis . Inflammation and bony changes develop over time due to continuous stress on the cervical spine, hands and fingers. This is a chronic variation of joint pain and destruction that worsens with prolonged tech neck posture and overuse.

2. Forearm Tendinitis/Tendinosis . Pain, inflammation and/or decreased strength in the extensor or flexor side of forearms, sometimes radiating into the elbows, from chronic internal rotation of forearms and hands, elbow flexion and/or wrist extension or flexion (depending on device and body mechanics). 3. Loss of cervical curve/degenerative disc disease . Gradual structural changes occur over time as poor neck posture persists, leading to complications in the cervical spine. The loss or reversal of the natural cervical curve can promote or worsen degenerative disc disease, which is often complicated by osteophytes (bony growths) where the spinal nerve exits, a narrowed central canal and disc herniation. Losing the integrity of the cervical curve can also affect the atlanto-axial joint, destabilizing it and leaving it open for the potential of many other body-wide symptoms to occur. 4. Radicular pain/nerve compression . As a result of prolonged compression, chronic nerve pain radiates from the neck to the fingertips (or any region within that range), accompanied by weakness that can lead to long-term disabilities including paresthesias, which are characterized by numbness, tingling and strength difficulties. 5. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) . This condition develops over time due to the persistent imbalance and stress on

The intricate interplay of technological advancements and our daily habits necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges posed by TNS.

Long-term or Chronic Consequences of TNS

1

2

3

4

5

6

amtamassage.org/mtj