Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Ergonomic Fitness Articles | Ergonomics

By: Kathryn Lively

Maybe it starts with a twinge in the wrists as you type, a sharp pain that interrupts your work flow. You try shaking it off so you can continue your reports or spreadsheets, but the pain and discomfort is persistent. If this is a continuous problem that challenges your ability to work, chances are it is not a passing inconvenience. You may have a case of carpal tunnel syndrome.

For the nine-to-five office worker, carpal tunnel syndrome is a problem that can cause great pain and reduced productivity. Numbness in the fingers, hands and wrists can escalate into shooting sensations that make it difficult to do everyday tasks at work. Spontaneous massaging at your desk may only briefly alleviate what is potentially a serious health risk.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is more than a simple work discomfort, but a condition that affects the median nerve in the forearm. This nerve runs into your hand, and when it is pressed down at the wrist area it can prevent sensations of touch from reaching the palm and your fingers. Think of a straw being squeezed in the middle to prevent liquid from passing through - this is how the median nerve works.

When the sensations in your hand are cut off, so begins the numb feeling in your hands. The carpal tunnel is situated at the base of the hand, and it is through this tunnel-like passage of ligament and bone that the nerve sends its message. When the tunnel is blocked, naturally the numbness will follow.

What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Many factors are attributed to causing carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of the better known ones include: 

• Genetics - Some people may be born with a naturally narrow carpal tunnel that hinders nerve movement.
• Increased pressure on the median nerve - Constant pressing on the wrists, whether by conditioning or poor typing posture, leads to the syndrome.
• Wrist trauma or injury - An injury that causes this nerve to swell can assist in closing the tunnel
• Fluid retention - Women who suffer retention during pregnancy or menopause may experience swelling in this joints

People who suffer carpal tunnel syndrome may experience a range of symptoms, from frequent tingling or numbness in the palm and fingers, increased difficulty in grasping objects, and loss of touch sensation.

Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome be treated?

It is important, if you believe you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, to consult a physician for treatment options. Not everybody who has carpal tunnel syndrome experiences the condition at the same level, and a treatment that is suitable for one person may not be necessary for another.

Depending upon the nature of the condition, carpal tunnel syndrome may be treated with prescribed drugs, simple exercise therapy, or even surgery in severe cases. Is it imperative to take action immediately if you suspect problems. Watch for signs of the condition and do your research on the subject to determine what you need to do to prevent serious health risk.