Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Prevention

Highlights	Risk Factors	Treatment
Introduction	Prognosis	Surgery
Symptoms	Prevention	Resources
Causes	Diagnosis	References

Prevention

Because carpal tunnel syndrome may have multiple factors involved in its cause, there is no single mode of prevention. Treating any underlying medical condition is certainly important. Simple common sense may help minimize some risk factors predisposing to work-related CTS or other cumulative trauma disorders. A patient can learn how to adjust the work area, handle tools, or perform tasks in ways that put less stress on the hands and wrists. Proper posture and exercise programs to strengthen the fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, shoulders, and neck may help prevent CTS.

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Corporate Efforts

Many companies are now taking action to help prevent repetitive stress injuries. In a major survey, 84% reported that they were modifying equipment, tasks, and processes. Nearly 85% were analyzing their workstations and jobs, and 79% were buying new equipment. It should be stressed, however, that there has been no evidence that any of these methods can provide complete protection against CTS. The optimal corporate approach, if possible, is to reallocate workers suffering from repetitive stress injuries to other jobs.

Preventing CTS in Keyboard Workers

Altering the way a person performs repetitive activities may help prevent inflammation in the hand and wrist from progressing into full-blown carpal tunnel syndrome. For example, replacing old tools with ergonomically designed new ones can be very helpful.

Rest Periods and Avoiding Repetition. Anyone who does repetitive tasks should begin with a short warm-up period, take frequent breaks, and avoid overexertion of the hand and finger muscles whenever possible. Employers should be urged to vary tasks and work content.

A 2001 study conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reported that even taking multiple "microbreaks" (about three minutes each) reduces strain and discomfort without decreasing productivity. Such breaks may include the following:

Shaking or stretching the limbs.
Leaning back in the chair.
Squeezing the shoulder blades together.
Taking deep breaths.

Good Posture. Good posture is extremely important in preventing carpal tunnel syndrome, particularly for typists and computer users.

The worker should sit with the spine against the back of the chair with the shoulders relaxed.
The elbows should rest along the sides of the body, with wrists straight.
The feet should be firmly on the floor or on a footrest.
Typing materials should be at eye level so that the neck does not bend over the work.
Keeping the neck flexible and head upright maintains circulation and nerve function to the arms and hands. One method for finding the correct head position is the "pigeon" movement. Keeping the chin level, glide the head slowly and gently forward and backward in small movements, avoiding neck discomfort.