Easy Steps to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Guest Writer: Spencer Hunt

Editor’s Note: As the recipient of carpal tunnel release surgery, I’m very big on making my workspace as ergonomic as possible. I use a trackball instead of a mouse, I have an ergonomic keyboard and I sit on a ball instead of a chair. Therefore, I thought I would share this article by Mr. Hunt with you because, as writers, we really need to watch the ergonomics of our workspace.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes tingling, numbness and pain in the hand and fingers. It occurs when the median nerve that runs from the forearm to hand becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist area. This nerve is what controls the sensations in the thumb, first three fingers (excluding the little finger) and the palm. It also is the nerve that controls impulses in the smaller muscle groups in the hand that allow movement. The carpal tunnel itself is a rigid, narrow channel of ligaments and bone. It lies at the base of the hand, housing most of the median nerve and tendons.

A person gets carpal tunnel syndrome when this channel of ligament and bone thickens and the tunnel is narrowed. This can happen due to swelling of inflamed tendons or other swelling within the tunnel. This swelling compresses the median nerve causing pain, weakness, numbness and tingling in the hand and wrist and can even radiate up the arm. This type of condition, broadly known as an entrapment neuropathy, can occur in any part of the body where the body’s peripheral nerves are traumatized or compressed. Of the entrapment neuropathies, carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common and most widely known.

There is usually not just one factor that contributes to carpal tunnel syndrome. Often, carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are the result of a congenital predisposition. This simply means that the carpal tunnel is smaller in some people than in others. Trauma or injury can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome. A sprain or fracture can cause swelling, thus compressing the median nerve. Rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, work stress, mechanical problems within the wrist joint, fluid retention, frequent use of vibrating tools and cysts or tumors in the carpal tunnel can all be additional causes of the syndrome. Sometimes, however, there is not identifiable cause.

There are steps that can be taken to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, particularly in the workplace. Ideally, you should try to incorporate several, if not all of these preventative measures into your own workplace in order to increase your chances of preventing the condition.

Exercise
Stretching exercises can help prevent carpal tunnel by increasing circulation to the area which can keep the tendons and ligaments from swelling.

Frequent Breaks
Taking frequent breaks will give your body a break. It will break up the activity and keep the tendons and ligaments from becoming inflamed.

Posture
Maintaining good posture and proper wrist position can reduce pressure on the wrist area and prevent inflammation and swelling.

Support
Wearing splints can help keep your wrists straight and in the proper position.

Keep Your Hands Warm
Wear fingerless gloves. This will keep your hands warm and flexible, creating optimum circulation in the hand and wrist area.

Workplace Modifications

1. Tools and tool handles can be redesigned to keep the worker’s wrist in a more natural position.
2. Redesign workstations and tasks to be more conducive to natural positioning of the worker’s wrists.
3. Rotating jobs and tasks among workers can reduce repetitive activity and give workers a break.
4. Employers can develop programs that adapt conditions of the workplace environment and the tasks required to the workers’ capabilities.

There is really no conclusive evidence that many of these modifications, particularly in the workplace, actually work to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. However, many experts do believe that these small steps can make a difference.

Spencer Hunt is a wellness consultant from Oregon, who recommends a balanced diet, with high quality vitamins, minerals, and glyconutrients products. Visit the site to see how glyconutrition can help you, www.ifoundhealth.com.

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