Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

written by Justin M.

    We all walk around campus with our laptops, iPhones, iPods, and other electronic devices.  While the administration may fear that these devices could lead to social problems, a greater problem is at hand: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, also known as CTS. 
    The daily repetition of repetitive motions, especially of the hands and wrist, can lead to the aggravation of nerves in the forearm, which are housed in a channel called the median nerve.  Repetitive actions, such as typing or scrolling through a playlist, can lead to inflammation of the median nerve.  The pinched nerves then send pain signals to the muscles in the palm and forefinger, leading to shooting pain, numbness, and eventual loss of motion.  As a progressive disease, CTS can become a serious threat to one’s health.  Eventually, the pinched median nerve will die off, cutting off all electrical impulses to your hand.  The muscles at the base of the thumb will begin atrophy, as the use of the thumb itself is severely limited.    Persons with chronically untreated CTS lose all muscle control in their hands, and are unable to grip small objects or open bottle caps.  Because the nerve ends are damaged, they are also unable to sense the difference between hot and cold.
    There are several factors which can dramatically increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.  Women are three times as likely as men to develop the disease, as their median nerve channels are naturally smaller, and are therefore easier to aggravate.  Family medical history also plays a role, as those with histories of diabetes, arthritis, and other diseases with nerve symptoms make the median nerve more susceptible to inflammation.   Teenagers are also at increased risk of CTS.  Though the scientific evidence is far from conclusive, hormonal changes in the body, like those teenage bodies undergo, have been remotely linked to the increased prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome. 
    What can you do to prevent CTS?  Try and assume the most natural body position when typing.  Keep your wrists straight, and minimize awkward wrist motion.  Take frequent breaks, and retain good posture.  Most people tend to overexert themselves while typing, using more force than necessary.  Minimizing the amount of work your fingers and wrists have to do will decrease your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Citations
1.  Bland, Jeremy.  “Carpal tunnel syndrome,” British Medical Journal.  London: Aug 18, 2007.  Vol 335, Iss. 7615; pg. 343.  CQ Researcher.  http://www.proquest.com
2.  “Carpal tunnel syndrome,” Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpal_tunnel_syndrome
3.  “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet,” NINDS.  National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.  http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm
4.  Hammers, Maryann.  “Thumbs down for hand-held devices,” Shape.  Woodland Hills: Oct 2005.  Vol 25, Iss. 2; pg. 96.  CQ Researcher.  HYPERLINK "http://www.proquest.com/"http://www.proquest.com
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