In This Article:
Stop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Symptoms
Carpal Tunnel Treatment
Carpal Tunnel Exercises
People in professions such as computers, cashiers, assembly-line workers, sewing machine operators and musicians are prone to developing a similar injury, because these jobs require repetitive motion in their hands, ones that strain the tendons in the wrist. The injury? Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, a debilitating injury that hits hundreds of thousands of Americans each year, and costs businesses money into the billions. Repetitive stress injuries like CTS are quickly becoming the fastest growing occupational illnesses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Work-related injuries such as these have gotten to be such a problem that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stepped in, proposing new rules. Among them, employees with physician-diagnosed, ergonomic injuries would be entitled to have situation fixed to relieve the cause of the injury (altering keyboard or assembly line height, for example). Additionally, employees would be assigned to lighter duty during their recovery while being assured of normal benefits and pay. Finally, employees who can not stay on the job altogether would be assured of 90% pay and full benefits during their recovery.
The key to avoiding developing illnesses like CTS is to position your hands properly during work while remaining vigilant about pain and watching for early signs of trouble.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: How does it happen?
Your wrist features a narrow passageway of bone, ligament and nerves—this is the carpal tunnel. One of those nerves is the median nerve. The median nerve controls sensation in the fingers along with movement in a few hand muscles. This nerve goes through the carpal tunnel as well as some of the finger tendons. Repetitive motion of the hand or wrist can often put stress on those tendons; consequently they swell up, pressing on the median nerve. This pressure leads to pain and numbness, impairing movement in the hand and fingers. Ultimately, anything causing tissues within the carpal tunnel to swell (pregnancy and thyroid disease included), can constrict this nerve.
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