For many people who are the unfortunate sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome surgery appears to be their only hope of finding relief. For people who spend their days hunched in front of a computer the pain and numbness that comes with the syndrome is unbearable. Construction workers, painters, office workers, etc, are all vulnerable to developing the problem, as this can and does affect many people.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs in the wrists and hands when a person uses a repeated motion for hours at a time through out their day. And if they have bad posture or poor technique then they are likely to make the situation worse. Imagine a person slouched over their computer keyboard for hours on end, never taking a break or stretching their hands and wrists. This person is looking for trouble and they will likely find in with carpel tunnel syndrome.
To understand carpal tunnel syndrome, you need to understand the physiology of the syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome, quite simply, is the tightening of the wrist that compresses the median nerve and causes all of the typical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. It can be a debilitating and sometimes excruciating condition that requires some sort of intervention to repair.
Although there are other alternatives available, for sufferers of the syndrome who desire to be pain free, surgery is only option they can choose. Usually the surgical procedure is performed under a milder anesthetic, called twilight anesthesia. During the procedure the surgeon cuts the transverse carpal ligament which prevents more damage to the nerves. This ligament is in the wrist and is wrapped around the other ligaments that run vertically up the arm. The idea behind this procedure is that by cutting the transverse carpal ligament it will no longer be able to tighten around the other ligaments which will then alleviate the pressure on them. The offending ligament will be joined together by scar tissue and the other ligaments will have more room.
Of course no surgery is risk free and some patients are left with much weaker wrists afterwards. Also, there is a possibility of other nerves and tendons in the area being damaged during the operation. All things considered surgery really should only be the last possible option. To make matters even worse, the patient can expect weeks of recovery after the surgery that can cost as much as ten thousand dollars.
Having an ergonomically designed environment is one suggestion that most therapists make. They also instruct that by ensuring that you maintain the proper posture and technique you can help in preventing yourself from developing the condition. It is also very beneficial if you allow yourself frequent breaks during which you stretch and rest your hands and wrists. Also, massages can be helpful in preventing the syndrome because it helps to loosen and relax the soft tissue in the hands. It is unfortunate how many sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome undergo surgery because they believe it to be their only option when, in fact, other alternatives do exist.
In order for you to make an informed choice it is important that you take the time to find out about the condition. Remember, maintaining healthy habits is your first step to a pain free life.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs in the wrists and hands when a person uses a repeated motion for hours at a time through out their day. And if they have bad posture or poor technique then they are likely to make the situation worse. Imagine a person slouched over their computer keyboard for hours on end, never taking a break or stretching their hands and wrists. This person is looking for trouble and they will likely find in with carpel tunnel syndrome.
To understand carpal tunnel syndrome, you need to understand the physiology of the syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome, quite simply, is the tightening of the wrist that compresses the median nerve and causes all of the typical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. It can be a debilitating and sometimes excruciating condition that requires some sort of intervention to repair.
Although there are other alternatives available, for sufferers of the syndrome who desire to be pain free, surgery is only option they can choose. Usually the surgical procedure is performed under a milder anesthetic, called twilight anesthesia. During the procedure the surgeon cuts the transverse carpal ligament which prevents more damage to the nerves. This ligament is in the wrist and is wrapped around the other ligaments that run vertically up the arm. The idea behind this procedure is that by cutting the transverse carpal ligament it will no longer be able to tighten around the other ligaments which will then alleviate the pressure on them. The offending ligament will be joined together by scar tissue and the other ligaments will have more room.
Of course no surgery is risk free and some patients are left with much weaker wrists afterwards. Also, there is a possibility of other nerves and tendons in the area being damaged during the operation. All things considered surgery really should only be the last possible option. To make matters even worse, the patient can expect weeks of recovery after the surgery that can cost as much as ten thousand dollars.
Having an ergonomically designed environment is one suggestion that most therapists make. They also instruct that by ensuring that you maintain the proper posture and technique you can help in preventing yourself from developing the condition. It is also very beneficial if you allow yourself frequent breaks during which you stretch and rest your hands and wrists. Also, massages can be helpful in preventing the syndrome because it helps to loosen and relax the soft tissue in the hands. It is unfortunate how many sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome undergo surgery because they believe it to be their only option when, in fact, other alternatives do exist.
In order for you to make an informed choice it is important that you take the time to find out about the condition. Remember, maintaining healthy habits is your first step to a pain free life.
About the Author:
When something isn't working properly, trying to fix the problem is more than a small task. The treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome is more difficult than the prevention of it, especially when you consider invasive tactics. Often the invasive tactics is not even effective,and it has been known to worsen the symptoms of cts. Learn all you can about carpal tunnel invasive tactics before considering it!
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