Epidemic at the Computer

Once, a suit served as a sort of talisman against injuries in the workplace. White collar workers' tasks-typing key after key, hour after hour- seemed innocuous, if not plain dull. Now, however, these workers have emerged as the fastest growing group to suffer from job-induced ailments. They are experiencing the same debilitating illnesses as meatcutters, auto assemblers and other factory workers. They are complaining of the crippling hand and wrist pains known as cumulative trauma disorder, repetitive motion illness or "VDT" disease, the most well known being carpal tunnel syndrome.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) accounts for half the job-related illness in the country. The Academy estimated in 1984 that $27 billion was spent annually in medical costs, treatments and lost earnings. By 1992 this number has doubled.

In 1990, 184,400 workers reported symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome compared with 37,000 in 1985, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 1991 103,000 CTS surgeries were performed, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that may cause pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the fingers and thumb. It involves the median nerve which passes through the carpal tunnel, carrying messages between the hand and the spinal cord. The carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid opening formed by bones and ligaments. Tendons slide back and forth in the carpal tunnel as you use your hand. As you move your hand and fingers, the flexor tendons in your forearm rub against the sides of the tunnel. This rubbing can cause irritation of the tendons, causing them to swell. When the tendons swell they apply pressure to the median nerve. The result are the debilitating symptoms.

CTS is a common and troublesome condition that interferes with the use of your hand . A variety of anatomical abnormalities may be responsible for this vise-like pressure. Once symptoms of pain and tingling appear, the condition frequently worsens and permanent nerve damage may occur. However, CTS is highly treatable if diagnosed early.

The pain , numbness and tingling of CTS can happen anywhere, at home or at work. but most often symptoms begin by waking you at night. Shaking or massaging the hand may work temporarily, but if ignored, CTS gets progressively worse. The pain increases, the grip weakens and you may begin dropping things. Fortunately, appropriate treatment is available.

It's always best to prevent a condition, and CTS is no exception. But if you notice symptoms, don't wait for them to become unbearable. The earlier you have a professional diagnosis and treatment, the more successful the outcome will be.

Conservative, non-surgical, non-drug treatment is often successful along with appropriate rest and wrist support. Treatment usually begins with a splint, vitamin supplementation, chiropractic adjustments, physiotherapy; such as ultrasound, galvanic current, etc, home instructions and care. Chiropractic management has proven successful in many cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and should be the initial treatment of choice before considering surgery or corticosteroids.

Any questions regarding carpal tunnel syndrome and/or chiropractic care please call or visit my office at 919-467-3362.

Yours in health,

Christopher R. Outten, D.C.