Computer Professionals Are At Higher Risk Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Computer professionals most of the time spend their time in front of computer and work with their fingers and thumbs for longer hours.

Working for longer hours overuses median nerve which is running from the forearm to the palm.

Median nerve passes through a narrow passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand.

This nerve controls the impulses to the muscles, sensations and movement to the palm side of the thumb and fingers.

If you are using the wrist frequently, it results in thickening or swelling of the tendons, exerting pressure on the nerve.

This nerve is responds to compression with pain, tingling and numbness that may radiate up and down the arm. People often wake up in the middle of the night with a painful and numb arm and they shake the hand for relief.

There may be weakness of the fingers, grasping small objects and distinguishing between hot and cold may be difficult as the compression progresses.

The chances of developing carpal tunnel syndrome are more if there is a fracture or sprain of the wrist which disrupts the various structures in that area.

Due to the more working hours on the computer, the risk is greater. The factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and being overweight increase the risk. Studies have shown that people who work less than eight hours a day are at lesser risk.

System administrators are constantly involved in typing and using mouse, so they are at higher risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. [Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Victims]

Researchers have suggested preventive measure that ‘don’t use computer at home’. At home we don’t have ergonomically designed chairs; therefore it adds effect on the wrist and increases the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.