Why can't I get my phone or mail app to open?

I had my iphone plugged into my MacBook Pro to sync with itunes but then it asked me to update to the newest version of iTunes.

I did update and downloaded the new version, however my iphone stayed plugged in.

When I re-started my Mac I then unplugged the iphone and it was unable to access any of the data from the Phone tab or Mail or even Settings.

I can get Message from im, and I can access the iPod app.

No sure if I should try to unscrew the phone and take out the battery like I used to do on my old Blackberry...

Help!