How to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome if you work with the computer
Today it is difficult not to find at least one computer (either desktop or laptop) in most businesses, which obviously depends on your main activity. Thus, for example, while in a restaurant it is common to have a computer that serves to record what is requested by each table and to draw up accounts, in an agency depending on the number of advisors and administrative staff, the most common is to have more than one . And, although it is an essential element at present, it is true that the misuse of the computer It can lead to serious health problems, especially not only in the short term but also in the long term.
Back pain in fact become one of the most common problems, caused in particular by sitting incorrectly in front of the computer screen, adopting a bad posture. The most normal thing is that at the beginning of the day we sit down in the right way, but then as the hours of work progress we tend to change our position, literally letting us fall on the chair. The most obvious solution is also the correct one: sit straight, with your back against the backrest and always avoid letting fall on it.
But if there is a condition or disorder that is rarely taken into account and that can also cause many problems in the future tends to arise as a result of a bad position of the wrist when using the mouse and keyboard: the one known as carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome and what does it consist of?
The carpal tunnel consists of a kind of narrow passage located at the base of the hand, where we find different ligaments, tendons, bones and the median nerve. That is, it is a kind of runner or channel located on the front of the wrist, which is located between the annular carpal ligament and the wrist bones.
This nerve provides movement and sensation next to the palm of the hand, including the palmar side of the thumb, and the middle, index and ring fingers, controlling the sensations and impulses to some small muscles in the hand.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disease that causes damage to the median nerve, when this nerve is compressed or tightened at the wrist as a result of thickening of the irritated tendons or any other inflammation that narrows the tunnel.
What are your symptoms?
It is common for symptoms to begin gradually. At the beginning it feels burning, numbness with itching that is placed in the palm of the hand and fingers, and also an uncomfortable tingling sensation which arises very frequently. These symptoms usually appear in one or both hands during the night, so that the person who suffers may wake up with the need to move the wrist or hand.
Although the inflammation is not apparent to the naked eye, it is common for the fingers to feel swollen and useless. Precisely when symptoms worsen the tingling can be felt throughout the day, with a decrease in strength.
If I work with the computer, what can I do to avoid this syndrome?
Use pads when using the mouse and keyboard
A bad position of the wrist when we use the mouse and the keyboard is a common cause of the appearance of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially when this bad placement extends over time (for example because we work every day for long hours in front of the computer).
A simple, useful and economical solution is to use a corrective pad that helps the wrist rest when we use the mouse and keyboard. They are usually ergonomic gel pads that have a specialized support for the correct support of the wrist. It is also essential to maintain a correct placement of the wrist, leaving it always straight and never curving it.
Rest your wrist
If you work for many hours in front of the computer it is evident that you make an excessive use of the wrist, especially when moving it to write on the keyboard or to move around the screen with the mouse.
In that case It is advisable to make some breaks in order to relax the wrist and rest the hand. In addition, it is useful to get up from the chair and move for a few minutes, stretching the body.
Do wrist exercises every so often
Wrist exercises are very useful to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and to relieve pain when we already have it.They are recommended to practice them at the beginning of the work, every 3 hours and at the end: place your hands together in front of your chest just below the chin; Slowly lower your hands to your waist keeping them close to your stomach (always with your palms together), until you feel a moderate stretch under your forearms.
You must maintain this position for at least 30 seconds, repeating 3 to 9 times. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor.
