Why Your Hands Go Numb When Using Phones in Bed

Why Your Hands Might Go Numb When Using Your Phone in Bed

Do your hands or fingers ever go numb or tingly when lying in bed using your phone? This annoying and sometimes concerning sensation likely stems from the posture necessitated by phone use combined with pre-existing vulnerabilities like arthritis or nerve compression.

Phone Use Often Provokes Nerve Impingement

Scrolling, gaming or texting on your phone generally requires holding it above your face while lying propped on pillows. This shoulder flexion plus sustained gripping can compress nerves traveling through the wrist, elbow and neck.

The median nerve running down the arm is especially prone. Our arms arent designed to withstand these postures for extended periods. Nerve impingement triggers tingling or numbness warning of tissue stress.

Presence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

While phone use can cause temporary nerve impingement, chronic numbness while holding phones likely indicates you have pre-existing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS arises when the carpal tunnel housing the median nerve narrows.

Swelling in the tunnel from pregnancy or arthritis pressurizes the nerve. Gripping motions like typing or phone use then exacerbate symptoms like hand numbness, pain, decreased grip strength and dexterity issues.

Exacerbation of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

A cousin to carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel causes numbness too by compressing the ulnar nerve running through your elbow. Phone use curls the elbow narrowly, tensioning tissues that then irritate the nerve.

Presence of bone spurs, arthritis and previous elbow injuries all raise susceptibility also. Numbness spreads to ring/pinky fingers with cubital tunnel since the ulnar nerve controls those digits.

Treatments and Home Remedies for Phone-Related Hand Numbness

You can implement several interventions at home to combat episodes of phone-associated finger numbness or tingling sensation:

Wrist Braces or Splints

Wearing rigid wrist braces or splints while phone gaming or scrolling keeps the area immobilized. This prevents worsening joint subluxation, inflammation and irritated nerves.

Proper Ergonomics and Stretch Breaks

Use phone grips allowing more neutral hand postures. Set timers reminding you to fully extend fingers, wrist and elbow every 20 minutes. Gentle stretching alleviates compression and tension buildup.

Alternating Hot and Cold Therapy

Applying hot packs boosts blood flow removing inflammatory waste products from compressed nerves. Follow with cold packs to constrict vessels slowing ingress of new inflammation.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Anti-inflammatory meds like ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin can ease nerve impingement and irritation stemming from phone use. But frequent use risks side effects.

Body Posture Modification

Avoid lying completely supine which collapse joints. Prop upper back at 45 degree incline keeping arms straighter to open cubital and carpal tunnels.

When to See a Doctor for Hand and Finger Numbness

Recurring hand numbness or tingling despite home interventions warrants medical examination. See your doctor promptly if you experience:

• Persistent numbness lasting over 12 hours
• Weakened hand grip strength
• Clumsiness handling small objects
• Difficulty distinguishing hot and cold
• Splitting or dropping items
• Discoloration of fingers signifying blood flow loss

These suggest advanced nerve damage requiring prompt treatment to prevent permanent dysfunction like motor deficits or paralysis.

Diagnosing the Underlying Cause

After assessing symptoms, doctors can run various tests to pinpoint the exact anatomical culprit behind hand numbness such as:

• Nerve conduction studies
• Electromyography
• MRI scans
• CT scans
• Lab tests checking rheumatoid factor, glucose, vitamin B-12 etc

Identifying whether carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel or cervical radiculopathy is primary informs optimal treatment approach.

Medical Treatments for Phone-Related Hand Numbness

Doctors can provide advanced treatments beyond home care to address recurrent episodes of phone-associated finger numbness:

Prescription Anti-Inflammatories

More powerful NSAID pills, oral steroids short term or targeted injections minimize inflammation pressing on nerves. However, long term use risks gastrointestinal, kidney or cardiac side effects.

Custom Splinting

Occupational therapists fabricate custom thermoplastic splints keeping the wrist in a neutral position without limiting finger mobility. This allows nerves room while preventing strain.

Nerve Gliding Exercises

Physical therapists coach nerve and tendon gliding movements redistributing adhesive scar tissue to unwind compressed nerves. This aims to resolve symptoms without surgery.

Ultrasound Therapy

Transmitting acoustic pulses deep into tissue, ultrasound breaks up inflammation and scar tissue limiting nerve mobility. Improved nerve sliding ability then lessens impingement.

Cortisone Injections

Injecting anti-inflammatory corticosteroid around irritated nerves attempts to interrupt the pain signaling cycle triggering numbness. However, repeat injections risk collagen breakdown, infection or nerve damage.

When Surgery May Be Necessary for Recurring Hand Numbness

If conservative measures fail providing relief from recurring hand numbness while using phones, surgical options include:

Carpal Tunnel Release

This involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament running across the wrist to expand space reducing median nerve compression. Recovery takes around 4-6 weeks but symptoms often improve quickly.

Cubital Tunnel Release

This surgery releases compressed ulnar nerves by removing scar tissue or fragments of bone pressing on them. Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques promote faster recovery times.

Transposition Surgeries

Severing the nerve fully and repositioning it superficial to the ligament causing impingement takes pressure off. But complications like permanent nerve damage are higher compared to release techniques.

Surgeries come with inherent risks of infection, slow wound healing or reactions to anesthesia. Success rates sit around 70-90% for sustained improvement in numbness and functionality.

Preventing Recurrent Hand Numbness When Using Phones

Implementing healthy phone use habits can help avoid repeat bouts of numbness and associated nerve damage:

• Text with both thumbs not just one
• Use phone grips keeping wrists neutral
• Set phone down intermittently
• Stretch fingers, hands and arms regularly
• Limit phone use to 20 minute intervals
• Adjust posture avoiding shoulder flexion
• Sleep with wrists splinted to minimize night aggravated inflammation

Incorporating frequent movement breaks while strengthening muscles supporting the wrists and elbows helps take pressure off nerves also. Supportive accessories plus postural awareness limits compression risks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.