Carpal Tunnel Syndrome In The Office

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a big problem in the office. You may be asking yourself "what is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome"? Well Carpal Tunnel is when the nerve that runs from your forearm to your wrist gets pinched at the wrist. This muscle controls a few of the small muscles in the hand and fingers as well as all sensations.

What Are The Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are several symptoms that usually occur when you have Carpal Tunnel. The first is frequent burning,itching or tingling feeling in the palm of your hand. Often people say their fingers feel useless or swollen when there is no visible swelling. Most often signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome appear in the middle of the night usually you are awaken with the need to shake out your wrist. Which is similar to the actions a person that has slept on their wrist would do. Another tell tale symptom is decreased strength in your hands. If it is difficult to get a tight grip on something or to pick up tiny objects with your fingers.

Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome In The Office

There are many different ways you can help prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the office. Below is a list of things you can do to make sure you do not end up suffering from Carpal Tunnel. All Employees that spend long hours behind a desk or typing on a computer should be taught Carpal Tunnel Prevention.

Teaching proper ergonomics in the office is a great way to help with the prevention of carpal tunnel in the office. All employees should have chairs with sturdy back support that promote sitting up straight as as opposed to slouching. Also each person should adjust the height of their chair so that their arms and wrist are level. A quick way to get Carpal tunnel is to let your arms hang down off of the desk it ends up putting a great strain on your wrist which are unknowingly supporting the entire weight of your arms on the keyboard.

Take breaks frequently. This doesn't mean go eat,drink or talk to other employees you can take small breaks at your desk. It is simple to stretch your arms and legs at least once every half hour. Also look away from the computer screen every 15-30 minutes to give your eyes a break. If your arms or hands start to feel weak or tingle take a break immediately.

Taking the proper precautions to avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the office will benefit every employee. If you do not start working in a safer matter than it is inevitable that you will end up suffering from Carpal Tunnel. Once you have Carpal Tunnel it is a length and painful process to cure yourself. Most cases require surgery it isn't a major surgery and is general done as an out patient. After surgery thought you will need to wear a brace and not us your hand for a significant period of time. You will also have to go to a rehabilitation to insure that your hand heals properly. All of this will cost a lot of time and money. You will be forced to miss work since you can not use the hand that has been operated on.

Remember that Carpal Tunnel syndrome in the office is a major problem and should be treated as such. Train all employees about office safety and how to work properly and avoid suffering from a totally unnecessary disease such as Carpal Tunnel which could have easily been prevented if they had been informed.

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