Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the inflammatory disorder that is caused due to repetitive stress, physical injury or any other condition that causes the tissues around the median nerve to inflated. The carpal tunnel is a small canal or tunnel runs from the forearm through the wrist. Bones form three walls of the tunnel, which are bridged by strong, broad ligament.The median nerve passes through this tunnel, which actually supplies feeling to the thumb, index, and ring fingers, the nine tendons that flex the fingers and also provides function for the thenar muscles, which are actually the muscles at the base of the thumb.

When the protective lining of the tendons within the carpal tunnel become inflamed and swell or when the ligament that forms the roof becomes thicker and broader leads to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The result is compression on median nerve fibers due to the swollen tendons and thickened ligaments; there will be slow down in the transmission of the nerve signals through this carpal tunnel. This ultimately results in pain, numbness, and tingling sensation in the wrist, hand, and fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is also categorized as Cumulative Trauma Disorder, overuse syndromes, chronic upper limb pain syndrome, or repetitive motion disorders which are all associated generally with repetitive and forceful use of the hands that damages the muscles and bones.  Many believe that constant repetitive use of the hand and poor computer set-up  are the primary causes the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: 

The main Carpal Tunnal Syndrome causes is the repetitive motion at workplace. These cases contribute to half of the work associated illness and the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome they account for nearly half of all reported work-related illness, and Carpal Tunnal Syndrome is estimated to account for over 41% of the disorders caused due to repetitive motion. The primary ergonomics risk factors in the workplace that cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are: Repetition, High force, Awkward joint posture. Direct pressure, Vibration, and Prolonged constrained posture. Repetitive typing.

The main cause of the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the incorrect posture-which produce the ergonomics risk factors noted above, especially in computer users. The rolling of the shoulders forward, rounding the lower back and thrusting the chin forward, shortens the neck and the muscles of the shoulder, there by compressing the nerves in the neck which ultimately have an effect on the wrist, fingers and the hand.  

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms:

The primary course of action in the treatment and prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome is to improve the office ergonomics of the computer work set up.  Follow the posture tips/ computer set up guidelines for desktop and laptop computers outlined on this website. 

It is essential to reduce direct pressure on the wrists by using proper wrist rests and by maintaining a neutral wrist position, which means not flexed up or back (flexed or extended), but straight.  The optimal position is the upright, straight position, power grip position that is promoted by the Evolent Vertical Mouse. (see the diagram on how the Evoluent computer mouse eliminated arm twisting, this is what you will want to achieve).  If you stay with a traditional computer mouse, it is essential to make sure the computer mouse fits your hand.  Many cumulative trauma disorders and carpal tunnel syndrome suffers are in pain because of the excessive motions and poor fit of a poorly designed mouse. The Contour Perfit computer mouse comes in right and left handed models and different sizes to ensure the optimal fit. See the hand/computer mouse sizing chart and read the research studies, this is a proven product! 

Another effective way to reduce the stress on the structures within the carpal tunnel is to eliminate the traditional computer mouse and use an alternative computer mouse, the #1 recommended solution is the Contour Roller Mouse Station. It eliminates the scrolling, clicking and wrist motions by integrating these functions into a platform, the product is one of the best solutions for carpal tunnel syndrome and other cumulative trauma disorders on the market.

Improving the computer set-up of your desktop or laptop computer is a must if you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome or other cumulative trauma disorders.  You should check with your physician to see if physical or occupational therapy or anti-inflammatory medications would be helpful to you. Here is a resource on FREE exercises for the wrist for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Traditional Carpal Tunnel Surgery releases the pressure on the median nerve. Surgery is quite common for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, however, there are several non-surgical methods such as physical or occupational therapy and daily exercises