Carpal tunnel syndrome is a chronic and often debilitating condition which is usually due to the stress of repetitive motion, most commonly in the course of one's work, though there are hobbies which also pose a risk for the development of carpal tunnel. Poor posture and failing to take adequate breaks are common risk factors; and if you've been ignoring those pains in your wrists and hands you are likely on the verge of developing the condition yourself.
We're a society where "playing through the pain" is seen as a virtue and as a result we soldier on even when our work causes pain and weakness in our wrists, hands and arms. However, it's a serious mistake to just grin and bear it; the condition will eventually progress to the point where your ability to work is severely impacted if left untreated.
What exactly causes carpal tunnel syndrome and how? Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the median nerve in the hands and/or wrists becoming compressed or even damaged through repetitive motion. The nerve can be damaged due to the repeated tightening of the transverse carpal ligament; your median nerve runs through the channel created by the transverse carpal and the grooves in the carpal bones themselves (this is the "tunnel" in carpal tunnel syndrome).
Placing too much strain on your wrists repeatedly, particularly when combined with poor posture can cause the compression of the median nerve. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and to prevent the condition from developing.
Following sound ergonomics can go a long way towards preventing carpal tunnel syndrome. If your workplace has someone who is either responsible for or an expert in ergonomics, ask for their advice to see what you could be doing to protect yourself from carpal tunnel. You can also take some steps on your own; take short breaks every hour or so and stretch your hands to keep your ligaments loose and prevent compression of the median nerve.
Surgery is an option if you have a severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome, but keep in mind that like any other surgery, there are some risks involved. While not likely, there is the possibility of losing some of your hand's strength permanently as an unintended consequence of this procedure. Carpal tunnel surgery can also be very expensive if your insurer doesn't cover this treatment.
Of course, even if you do go the surgical route, you'll still have to do the same exercises and stretches which could help prevent the condition in the first place as well as providing some relief from the symptoms of the condition. Before you schedule a surgery, examine some of the less drastic options; you may be able to treat the problem without assuming the risk and expense of a surgical procedure.
We're a society where "playing through the pain" is seen as a virtue and as a result we soldier on even when our work causes pain and weakness in our wrists, hands and arms. However, it's a serious mistake to just grin and bear it; the condition will eventually progress to the point where your ability to work is severely impacted if left untreated.
What exactly causes carpal tunnel syndrome and how? Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the median nerve in the hands and/or wrists becoming compressed or even damaged through repetitive motion. The nerve can be damaged due to the repeated tightening of the transverse carpal ligament; your median nerve runs through the channel created by the transverse carpal and the grooves in the carpal bones themselves (this is the "tunnel" in carpal tunnel syndrome).
Placing too much strain on your wrists repeatedly, particularly when combined with poor posture can cause the compression of the median nerve. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and to prevent the condition from developing.
Following sound ergonomics can go a long way towards preventing carpal tunnel syndrome. If your workplace has someone who is either responsible for or an expert in ergonomics, ask for their advice to see what you could be doing to protect yourself from carpal tunnel. You can also take some steps on your own; take short breaks every hour or so and stretch your hands to keep your ligaments loose and prevent compression of the median nerve.
Surgery is an option if you have a severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome, but keep in mind that like any other surgery, there are some risks involved. While not likely, there is the possibility of losing some of your hand's strength permanently as an unintended consequence of this procedure. Carpal tunnel surgery can also be very expensive if your insurer doesn't cover this treatment.
Of course, even if you do go the surgical route, you'll still have to do the same exercises and stretches which could help prevent the condition in the first place as well as providing some relief from the symptoms of the condition. Before you schedule a surgery, examine some of the less drastic options; you may be able to treat the problem without assuming the risk and expense of a surgical procedure.
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Considering how often carpal tunnel surgery only causes more problems in carpal tunnel sufferers disappointments, many people are looking to alternative treatments. There are many non-invasive techniques that you should be informed about before going under the knife. Click on this link to learn about the disappointments associated with carpal tunnel surgery.
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