According to a report from the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, prolonged cell phone usage may cause aching, burning, numbness, or tingling in the ulnar forearm and hand. These symptoms, called “cell phone elbow” is known medically as cubital tunnel syndrome, which is the second most common nerve compression syndrome in the upper extremities after carpal tunnel syndrome.

n many cases, treatment consists of simply modifying the activity and avoiding activities that aggravate the symptoms. It's suggested that switching hands frequently while talking on the phone or using a hands-free headset will help.

Other daily activities that produce cubital tunnel syndrome include leaning on an elbow while driving or working, and sitting at a computer workstation that requires elbow flexion greater than 90 degrees. Making ergonomic adjustments to these activities is beneficial.


See the full report at http://www.ccjm.org/content/76/5/306.full.

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