You probably already know about the nightmare that carpel tunnel syndrome can be to deal with. You have probably heard of the condition from a friend or co-worker that has battled it an know that you want no part of it. You may be thinking that you should take some steps to prevent this from happening to you. If you work in an office, are a construction worker or an athlete, you are probably wise to think like this. Anyone that uses their hands a repetitive way is at risk and should take steps to prevent carpel tunnel syndrome.
We always think our hands will be there for us. We don’t mind when we get a little burn or scratch from a pet. It seems that our hands can take a beating and just keep on going. The truth is that our hands are extremely valuable to us, and we need them to carry out countless chores throughout the day. But for those of us who use them in our daily jobs, they become even more valuable. You’d think people would take more preventative measures to keep their hands in tip-top shape!
What is carpal tunnel syndrome and what affect can it have on our hands? This condition can be very painful and often starts of as a tingling or numbness in the hands. The symptoms can also be present in the elbow and forearm depending on how long the symptoms have been present. Some people may loss the function of their hands and fingers and may require weeks of rehabilitation before they can be fully productive at their work. If the body starts to compensate for the pain of the carpel tunnel syndrome other conditions such as neck pain, shoulder pain, or back pain could occur.
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve-which runs the length of the arm-is compressed at the wrists. This compression occurs when the transverse carpal ligament is put under pressure and becomes tightened. The transverse carpal ligament is necessary because it binds ligaments and nerves together at the wrist and is important for maneuverability and functionality in your hands. By not keeping the hands loose and stress free, you are inviting pain and discomfort into that area. The good news is that there are some preventative habits you can acquire to prevent this from happening.
While some people may consider surgery for carpal tunnel pain, you may want to think twice. After all, the procedure does involve severing the transverse carpal ligament in the hopes that it will relieve the stress on the median nerve. While it does tend to give immediate pain relief, the lasting effects are unknown and can be devastating if not properly considered.
The one principle that should be considered when looking for relief from carpel tunnel pain, is how it can be done in a non-invasive and natural way. The first thing to look at is your eating and exercise habits. If your body is getting the proper nutrients it will be able to fight the effects of the carpel tunnel syndrome more effectively. Think about taking a few extra breaks while you are working in order to your hands a chance to rest. In addition to these steps, stretch and loosen you your wrist occasionally to keep them from becoming overly stressed. It will help to shake the hands occasionally to keep the blood flowing to the hands and fingers. Last but not least, good posture is critical when trying to prevent carpel tunnel syndrome.