Don't be a Victim of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome results in more than twoa newspaper or telephone. Even turning a key in a
million visits to doctor's clinics each year. Figures alsocar can be quite a challenge.
show that there are approximately 260,000 carpalIn May 2004. American singer and songwriter Willie
tunnel surgeries performed every year, 47 percentNelson reportedly cut his performance in Las Vegas
of which are work related.due to severe pain from carpal tunnel syndrome. The
It seems that everywhere you go, you findAssociated Press reported that the country singer
someone wearing a wrist brace like assembly linecanceled concerts for the next two months to
workers, computer users, musicians, meatundergo surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.
processors, laboratory technicians, hairdressers, houseThere are ways to decrease the onset of carpal
painters, carpenters, and grocery store clerks. It'stunnel syndrome that can be applied at home or at
everywhere. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the mostwork. These are frequent breaks from repetitive
commonly recognized of all the repetitive strainhand movements such as keyboard and power tool
injuries.use, proper hand positioning when at work or
The most common symptoms of carpal tunnelsleeping, wearing a wrist brace, and hand and wrist
syndrome include pain in the wrist and tingling of theexercise.
thumb, the index and the middle finger and part ofTake note that proper work posture is very
the ring finger. It also includes arm and shoulder pain.important. Proper posture places the least amount of
Persons with carpal tunnel syndrome also suffer lossstrain on all the soft tissues of the body. Evaluate
of dexterity or gripping strength. This includesyour posture and make corrections when you notice
difficulty in performing routine tasks such as holding aslouching, reaching forward, a forward head, or any
cup, vacuuming, and washing, driving or even holdingof the other markers for improper posture.