What You Didn’t Know About Computer Use
The beginnings of a numbness you’ve experienced for months begins to envelope your arm and wrist while you’re working at your computer. Then, a sharp pain shoots through your wrist and arm. This isn’t like anything you’ve ever experienced, and it’s definitely not just a cramp. Could it be that this is something worse, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)? CTS is caused by repetitive compression of a key nerve in the wrist that’s developed over time. Read below to discover the 6 key things that everyone working at a computer should know about CTS.
Fact One: CTS is considered by some to be a form of repetitive stress injury and as such, is caused by repetitive motions such as computer keyboard use. However, while studies have found associations between some work activities and CTS, direct causality is yet to be found. There is a myth that CTS manifests as pain when in reality what is experienced is severe numbness.
Fact Two: The narrow, rigid passageway made up of ligament and bones at the base of the hand is what’s called the carpel tunnel. When the nerves and tendons found in the carpel tunnel, called the median nerve, is pinched or squeezed it causes the discomfort and pain we call carpel tunnel syndrome.
Fact Three: Symptoms from CTS generally always involved a tingling or numbing sensation through the affected area. At times, suffers will experience a swollen feeling and lose strength in the affected region. In other cases, some will lose the ability to tell between even hot and cold objects.
Fact Four: Causality behind CTS is often a mixed lot. It is due to pressure on the nerve, but that pressure could be caused by multiple different things throughout the day. It could also simply be a matter of genetic predisposition in that either the carpel tunnel is too small or the median nerve is too big.
Fact Five: Women are more likely by three times to develop CTS because of the genetic predisposition to have smaller wrists. Those with diabetes or metabolic disorders should also be careful because of already having sensitive nerves. Jobs that require assembly line work will increase the risk of developing CTS.
Fact Six: In 2008, approximately 50,000 workers lost time from work because of carpal tunnel syndrome and half of those workers missed more than 10 days of work. The average lifetime cost of carpal tunnel syndrome, including medical bills and lost time from work, is estimated to be about $30,000 for each injured worker.
Computer and workstation manufactures have carried on blind to this serious problem for years in spite of the many advances made in finding preventative measures to CTS. Manufacturers and consumers wishing to avoid the expensive and painful realities of CTS should consider consulting with or buying product that has been designed by an ergonomic designer. Ergonomic experts have learned the science behind human anatomy as well as preventative methods to serious problems like CTS. Consulting with an ergonomic designer will help to improve your product and create a more healthy and happy working environment for others.
To learn more about Ergonomic Design visit www.ErgonomicDesigner.com. Contact Bryan Dressler today to learn how Ergonomics can help you today!
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