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Healthy Habits
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Wrist or Neck? You be the Judge
Technology is generally oriented at making our daily lives easier. In the past quarter of a century our technological society has flourished with the incredible advancements it has made. Automobiles, fax machines, computers, buildings and other "every day" items would literally seem fictional a mere 25 years ago. And most items have been invented with a practical use in mind for our daily activities.
Unfortunately, with the advancement in technology there have also come various new battles to overcome. One of them includes a shift in the workforce. At one time, many jobs existed that were labour intensive. Now computerized equipment and machines have replaced many workers and other devices. The operators of these devices are being exposed to what has become known as repetitive use syndromes.
Repetitive movements involved with operating modern equipment, whether it be machinery or computers, create bad habits or patterns of movement in the body. This repetitive use has created an increase of injuries in the workplace related to the cumulative stress of the body parts involved. Being human, one of the most common ways we interact with the environment is through the use of our hands. This relationship has spurned an increase in the number of carpal tunnel syndrome cases.
With the advent of the computer an upsurge in carpal tunnel cases started to occur. The problem had been prevalent in the past as well, however, because so many different levels of business were now involved with implementing computer work into their daily activities the number of cases increased accordingly. The interesting thing is that at the same time people were beginning to perhaps sit more, croon and strain their necks more and challenge the postural use of their shoulders and middle back more.
The reason this is important involves the nature of irritation to the nerve that causes carpal tunnel syndrome. In the area of the wrist, a nerve known as the median nerve can become impinged or irritated when connective tissues, bones or swelling encroach on the space the nerve needs to travel through in the carpal tunnel (wrist) before entering into the hand. Interestingly, this same nerve can also be encroached upon or irritated at the neck, the shoulder and the elbow. With increased use seen in all of these areas in recent times, it is increasingly important to properly identify the cause of the irritation to this nerve. This will then allow for the correct treatment approach to be implemented.
Knowing that this relationship exists, 2 things become important to understand. Prevention is the mainstay of a good quality health program. Reducing and avoiding any stress, irritation and repetitive use of all the body parts will allow them to function properly without injury for as long as possible. Chiropractic care, exercising and nutrition are important aspects of this prevention.
The second aspect involves correct diagnosis of any pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the hands, wrists or arms. Doctors of Chiropractic are neuromusculoskeletal specialists trained to examine, diagnose and treat problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome. While technology may have advanced, it has not made humans immune to injury. Chiropractors have stayed abreast of this reality and are well suited to not only your work-related health care needs but also the health care needs you require each and every day. And for carpal tunnel, it's a hands down choice.
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