Carpal tunnel syndrome is a byproduct of our lifestyles in most cases, and it can be avoided in some individuals if you choose to minimize the repetitive stress exuded upon your wrist and hands. In this brief, yet informative guide, we’ll go over the benefits of using a splint, taking breaks, physical therapy, adjusting your chair height, repositioning your keyboard and choosing surgery as a last resort option. All in all, carpal tunnel can be prevented and resolved if you choose to implement practical methods of prevention and listen to your body.
Carpal Tunnel is Becoming Common in Today’s Society
As more and more of us choose to join the office-style workforce, carpal tunnel syndrome is increasing over time. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be present within anyone who works with their hands, yet the repetitive nature of typing for hours on end, every single workday, can truly wreak havoc on your hands and wrists. If you’re a part of the 9-5 workforce, you’ll want to continue reading through this post to learn more about ways you can avoid carpal tunnel syndrome and prolong your working career without pain.
Using a Splint
A splint can provide much needed support throughout the work day and alleviate some of the pressure from typing on keyboard for many hours straight. You’ll want to find a splint which fits comfortably and securely, but not too tight either. You’ll know when a splint is supportive, and when it’s uncomfortable. From there, you’ll want to see how the splint helps you throughout the work day. Is it relieving pressure and pain as you work? If so, great! Is it causing your pain to worsen or remain the same throughout the day? If so, don’t use it and talk to your doctor.
Taking Breaks & Resting
Resting your wrists and hands throughout the day, especially during a longer work day, can certainly help your carpal tunnel syndrome. The repetitive nature of typing, and typing,and typing on a keyboard does not allow your wrists to be able to take time to decompress and rest. Think of typing on a keyboard similarly to exercise. If you run constantly for many hours on end, you’ll experience muscle fatigue and burnout. We don’t want a similar event to happen to your hands and wrists. Allowing adequate time in between workflows can help alleviate strain and stress upon your wrist and hand area. You don’t need to be constantly working throughout an eight-hour workday if it’s affecting your health and wellbeing. Take a break, walk around, move your other muscles, and then jump back into your work. Your mind and body will thank you later.
Exercises & Physical Therapy
Our in-house team of physical therapists will work with you and your unique condition to best determine which exercise and physical therapy regimens will work for you. There are many stretches, exercises, and techniques our physical therapists have implemented across our carpal tunnel patients and we’ve been able to see some fantastic results. We want to explore all available options in treating your carpal tunnel. We know our team of physical therapists will do everything they can do to resolve your carpal tunnel syndrome condition.
Adjusting Your Chair Height
Chair height can play a huge role in where your wrists and hands comfortably sit when typing. If your chair is too low or too high, you may run the risk of creating unnecessary tension and strain upon your entire hand and wrist area. Make sure to have your wrists comfortably align with your keyboard and experiment with different heights to determine where you yourself feel the best.
Repositioning Your Keyboard
Sometimes our keyboards, even when aligned correctly with our chair, can be slightly off with our natural wrist positioning. This may cause extra strain and pain after typing of an extended period of time. To avoid this, you’ll want to modify the position of your keyboard and see which placement works best for your hands and wrists.
Surgery as a Last Resort Option
Here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants, we’re always seeking out ways to improve our patients’ livelihoods. We understand “surgery” can be an unsettling word for some. We’re here to reassure you we’ll have your back every step of the way. With our comprehensive care and advanced technology, we’re able to better the lives of our actions each and every day. We want you to have the same experience.
Choosing Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants for Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Feel free to book an appointment using the form below and we’ll be sure to confirm with you as soon as possible. We’re looking forward to treating your carpal tunnel syndrome through various means and we’re eager to begin having you back on track to a pain-free lifestyle once again.
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.