Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a painful condition to live with, and surgery to correct it usually means a considerable recovery time. The best “treatment” for carpal tunnel is to prevent it. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of shoulder and wrist injury over time.
Posture and Short Exercise Techniques
Sitting straight and upright is one of the basic components to good overall health. The spine should be flat against the chair with feet firmly planted to the ground. Everything on the workspace should be at eye-level to reduce strain. Carpal tunnel prevention can also include quick sessions in which one squeezes the shoulders together, in conjunction with the type of deep breathing exercises practiced during meditation. The results are less tense muscles and reduced fatigue of the wrists and shoulders that direct nerve endings.
Ergonomic Tools
Correct placement of furniture in the workspace is crucial for carpal tunnel health. Ergonomic furniture that allows for rotation relieves pressure from the spine and nerve endings of the fingers. Wrist pads or an elevated surface to the keyboard of a computer reduce the chance of nerve and muscle fatigue.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may help prevent nerve damage associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, this form of short-term treatment is shown to provide similar effectiveness to a low dose of anti-inflammatory medication for mild-to-moderate treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. This form of treatment targets specific meridian points that may be linked to the median nerves of the wrist and hands.
Avoid Unnecessary Repetition
Muscle repetition such as typing keystrokes for extended periods of time on a computer keyboard can increase the risks of carpal tunnel syndrome. Working with several micro-breaks each hour will reduce the chance of repetitive tasks by allowing for the flexing of the wrist and finger muscles.
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References
Esplin, Vernon; A Helping Hand: Know Signs, Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel; Idaho State Journal; accessed March 14, 2014
Hsieh CL, et al; Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial; National Center for Biotechnology Information; accessed March 14,2014