Office Worker? Let's Talk About Avoiding Carpal Tunnel

Whether you work in a traditional office setting, or from a home office, you could be putting yourself at risk of developing issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome. In many ways CTS is an issue of modern living. Unlike our ancestors who spent the day out hunting and gathering, today, many people work from a desk during the day, typing, and interacting with digital technology. 

The skilled providers at Health Advantage Physical Medicine offer a range of treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, including acupuncture, regenerative therapy, and functional medicine. If you work in an office, here’s what you should know. 

Signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel

The carpal tunnel is a tiny canal in your wrist that surrounds the median nerve as it travels to your hand. Repetitive hand movements, such as when typing can irritate and inflame the median nerve. Signs and symptoms to look out for include: 

• Wrist or hand numbness
• Tingling sensation in wrists or hands
• Tingling in the fingers
• Numbness felt in the forearms 
• Other abnormal sensations in the wrist, such as burning

Without treatment, or lifestyle adjustments, symptoms may worsen. Over time, you may experience other symptoms, such as hand weakness.  

Carpal tunnel stages

It’s always best to seek evaluation as soon as possible when you notice symptoms. CTS can vary in severity from mild, to severe enough to interfere with daily functioning.

Mild 

When CTS is mild, you may notice symptoms intermittently, likely in the evening after using your hands all day. Making adjustments to your workspace, such as changing the height of your keyboard, and wearing a wrist brace may help at this stage.

Moderate 

As CTS progresses, the numbness and tingling happen more often, such as during routine tasks like driving or brushing your teeth. 

Severe 

At this stage you may experience additional symptoms like muscle weakness. Leaving CTS unaddressed at this point may result in permanent damage to the median nerve. 

Women more at risk 

CTS is more common in women, and it’s more likely to strike during pregnancy. Hormonal changes, increased fluid retention, and weight gain that occurs during pregnancy provides a recipe for CTS to develop.

The body undergoes various changes during pregnancy. Hormonal changes trigger an increase in fluid retention throughout the body, including the wrists. Along with weight gain these changes can compress the carpal tunnel space, squeezing the nerve.

For most women, symptoms of carpal tunnel resolve when fluid levels return to normal. In some cases, carpal tunnel worsens after pregnancy.

Strategies to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome

Making some simple and practical adjustments can protect your wrists, and reduce the risk of developing carpal tunnel, as well as improve symptoms if you have them. The best place to start is setting up your workspace to promote a natural position for your hands and wrists. 

Keyboard and mouse placement

Keep your keyboard at elbow level or slightly lower. Your wrists should be straight, instead of angled upward or downward. Try using an ergonomic keyboard and mouse that fits properly in your hand and doesn’t strain your wrists.

Chair and desk height

It’s important for your chair to support your lower back, with your feet flat on the ground. Adjust your workstation or chair so that when typing, your forearms are parallel to the floor and your elbows are at around 90 degrees.

Use a wrist rest

Those comfortable wrist rests may actually worsen CTS by putting your wrists in a slightly unnatural position. Look for an ergonomic wrist rest to prevent placing strain on your wrists. 

In addition to these changes, taking frequent breaks and using good posture when sitting can go a long way. Take a look at this detailed visual example of what to aim for in terms of posture when working from your desk to reduce the risk of or improve carpal tunnel syndrome.

Getting relief from carpal tunnel syndrome

The good news is that carpal tunnel syndrome can often be treated without surgery, especially when caught early. Non-surgical approaches, such as placing a splint on the wrists at night, functional medicine, platelet-rich plasma therapy, and acupuncture can relieve symptoms.

For expert carpal tunnel syndrome, contact us to schedule a consultation. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive, individualized care.