Carpal tunnel syndrome has become a substantial health problem in the work force in industrialized countries, and in the US in particular. It can affect people from various walks of life and careers. But primarily, it affects those whose main duties involve sitting behind a desk and working on a computer for the majority of the work day.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, directly affects the hand(s) and wrist. But it can also contribute indirectly to other aches and pains that involve the arms, and even neck. This typically takes place when other muscles are recruited to complete a task because the hands become too weak and painful to function properly.
Lap Desk Tray
What research has discovered is that repetitive movements such as prolonged typing and fine motor motions combined with our holding our bodies in awkward postures contributes a great deal to the development of carpal tunnel and repetitive strain injuries. With prolonged sitting and typing, the head, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands are all held abnormally in a poor posture and so some tissues get tight and others get weak.
Human movement specialists have teamed up with engineers to develop a host of ergonomically designed appliances and tools that help to limit the development of repetitive strain injuries in the work place. Ergonomic chairs, lap trays, computer mice, and other things have been used by many who already suffer with CTS and those seeking to prevent it's development.
One of the best solutions that office workers have found is the ergonomic keyboard that can be used with their computer. These adjustable keyboards come in many sizes and designs all having one thing in common. Since these keyboards are adjustable, workers can modify them to provide individual comfort and support while they are typing. This goes a long way to reducing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, and even the development of CTS.
While having access to any number of ergonomically designed tools and accessories has been a good step toward addressing the problem of repetitive strain injuries, it's not an absolute solution. That's because design is only part of the problem. The real problem is the repetitive movements that cause the injuries in the first place. Having a comfortable computer keyboard does not eliminate the need to continue to type.
In order to get around the problem of these movements, it's necessary for those people that are predisposed to developing conditions like CTS to adopt a regular exercise program that involves stretching as well as large range of motion movements that will balance out the small repetitive movements that they do through out the day.
Exercises like hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder stretches can go a long way to making your hands and wrists feel better during the work day. Plus, they are essential in treating and preventing CTS or other repetitive movement strain. However, many people don't realize that they need more than just these stretches to keep their musculo-skeltal system in balance.
One of the best things that you can do to help prevent or treat your own carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms is to work into your lifestyle some "fun exercises". What I mean by fun exercises are those that have no objective in mind except for fun!! These typically are sports, but don't have to be the competitive kind. Things like throwing a frisbee or tossing a ball, or, shooting baskets by yourself, or even climbing trees.
These activities and others require you to make big sweeping movements with your arms and limbs. These big movements help you to thoroughly stretch your bodies without having to really think about stretching. No, you can't do these in the office, and you probably won't want to. These activities are meant to be fun and so you want to do them in your spare time.
Incorporating ergonomic equipment such as adjustable keyboards for your computers are a good first step to reducing your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. You will want to explore which one is right for you. But, an essential second step in preventing repetitive strain injuries in the workplace is to get out and start moving your body in a big way by adopting a regular activity that is fun for you to do. Don't make exercise a job, you've already got one of those. And you get paid to do it!!
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