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.
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.
The best ergonomic computer chair will help prevent many health conditions such as backaches, neck stress and carpal tunnel syndrome. Having a properly adjusted keyboard tray greatly reduces your risks of developing carpal tunnel.
Here are some additional tips that when combined together, can help you to reduce your chances of having to deal with carpal tunnel in the future.
TIP #1 Exercise - Stretching exercises can help prevent carpal tunnel by increasing circulation to the area which can keep the tendons and ligaments from swelling.
TIP #2 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.
TIP #3 Posture - Maintaining good posture and proper wrist position can reduce pressure on the wrist area and prevent inflammation and swelling.
TIP #4 Support - Wearing splints can help keep your wrists straight and in the proper position.
TIP #5 Keep Your Hands Warm - Wear fingerless gloves. This will keep your hands warm and flexible, creating optimum circulation in the hand and wrist area.
TIP #6 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 and tasks of the workplace environment.
I hope that you found this article useful and that you will now make a concerted effort to make sure that you have good posture, take breaks often, and try to stay in optimal health.
Spencer Hunt
Author Bio
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