Guest Author - Suzanne

*What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
More than 28 million Americans use computers each day and, according to officials at the Occupational Safety & Health Administration many risk coming down with a painful, debilitating condition...Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is often the result of a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons located in the carpal tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself. The cause of this disease is largely occupational.Those who spend a majority of their day sitting at a typewriter, or keyboard, or work with vibratory equipment are susceptible to the disease. When the wrists are incorrectly positioned at a keyboard, pressure is put on a nerve found in a "tunnel" in the wrists.Work related cases are highest among those ages 20 to 40. Nonwork-related cases are highest among persons in their 50s. Latest reports show that one third of Worker's Compensation cases are reported as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. CTS workers compensation cases cost up to $65,410 each in lost wages and medical benefits, according to July 1996 statistics published by the National Council of Compensation Insurance.
*Who is at risk for developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
As mentioned, those who do repetitive movement more than 6 hours per day are at a higher risk. Women are three times more likely to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The dominant hand is usually affected first and produces the most severe pain. Persons with diabetes or other metabolic disorders that directly affect the body's nerves and make them more susceptible to compression are also at high risk. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome usually occurs only in adults.
*What are the symptoms of CTS?
+ Pain, tingling, and numbness in the thumb, index, middle, or ring fingers, or tingling in the entire hand.
+ Pain that shoots from the hand up the arm as far as the shoulder.
+ A swollen sensation in your fingers, even though they may not be visably swollen.
+ You may notice that your symptoms are worse at night.
+ Your hands feel weak in the morning.
+ You drop objects more than usual.
+ You have trouble grasping or pinching objects.
+ You have trouble using your hands for certain tasks, such as buttoning a shirt, handwriting, or opening a jar lid.
+ The muscles at the base of your thumb are smaller and weaker than they used to be.
*How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome diagnosed?
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid permanent damage to the median nerve. A physical examination of the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck can help determine if the patient's complaints are related to daily activites or to an underlying disorder. One or all of the following tests can help confirm a diagnosis of CTS:
+ Tinel's Sign Test: The doctor will gently tap the front of your wrist to see if you feel tingling or pain in your hand or forearm.
+ Phalen's Sign Test: The doctor will ask you to bend your wrist down as far as it will go and hold this position up to 3 minutes to see if you feel tingling or pain.
+ Nerve Conduction Velocity Study: This test measures the nerve's ability to send electrical impulses to the hand muscles, to see if the electrical impulses slow down the carpal tunnel.
* What is the treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
For some patients excercising can temporarily relieve the pain. The following is a four step exercise routine tha can be beneficial if done 10 times a day; especially before starting an activity:
Step 1: slowly bend your hands back at the wrists with your fingers fully extended. Hold for 10 seconds, then straighten your wrists.
Step 2: Stretch your arms and hands forward with fingers fully extended and hold for 10 seconds. Be careful not to push too hard to cause pain. Return to the starting position.
Step 3: Make a tight fist and hold for 10 seconds. Release.
Step 4: Straighten your wrist and extend the fingers fully for 10 seconds. Return to step 1; do four or five repetitions.
Other conservative treatments include an ergonomic assessment on your worksite, splints, and anti-inflammatories, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic care. Carpal Tunnel Release is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. Generally surgery is recommended if symptoms last over 6 months. Recurrance of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is rare. The majority of patients recover completely.


Awareness of the problem and its causes are crucial to prevention, as are the proper use of ergonomic aids and attention to your work routine. If you feel you are experiencing sympotoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, seek medical attention with your physician. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) a part of the National Institutes of Health, is the federal government's leading supporter of biomedical research on neuropathy, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Be aware of your work environment, and take measures for prevention.