Dealing with Carpal tunnel syndrome day after day, month after month can get very tiresome. When it is painful to do all the things you ordinarily do, it can be downright depressing. It becomes difficult to concentrate when you work on the computer because the pain is nagging and relentless. Changing positions every few minutes seems to be the only relief and that becomes distracting. You wish your hands and wrists would just stop hurting.
We use our hands for everything. They are critical to our day to day life and when we’re in pain that seems even more obvious to us. It’s difficult to stop long enough to take care of them properly by resting them. But they can only take so much of the repetitive motions that are causing the carpal tunnel syndrome. In time, if neglected, it can reach crisis proportions.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome and how can you prevent it? Carpal tunnel syndrome is the compression of the median nerve at the wrist where the transverse carpal ligament has become tightened and strained. The transverse carpal ligament is what gives you the strength and leverage in your hands but can become agitated after the hands have gone through repeated motions for hours on end on a daily basis. The effects of carpal tunnel can be debilitating and can lead to depression because were cannot function at the level we are used to.
So what are the symptoms of carpel tunnel syndrome? Believe me, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you will feel it. Symptoms can range from pain in the hands and wrists to pain radiating up through the forearm all the way to the elbow!. Fingers or hands can feel cold or numb and uncomfortable. The worst case scenario for some is the loss of use of the hands or fingers! But even then, there are other symptoms that may be related to carpal tunnel. As you develop carpal tunnel symptoms, your body will adjust its position to make your hands and forearms are more at ease. This can cause straining in the back, legs, neck and shoulders. You could even develop headaches!
If you have experienced any of these symptoms you might want to consider that it is a warning sign of a more serious problem to come if left untreated. There are several solutions to the problem and understanding your options will help you decide what the best solution is for you. Most people think of surgery as their only option. While it is an option it is not the only option. When carpal tunnel surgery is performed, the surgeon cuts the transverse carpal ligament and eases the pressure in the wrist. It may not cure the problem and sometimes there are complications.
If you can take action before the condition gets too severe there are steps you can take to avoid surgery. The first thing to do is stretches and exercises that provide full body exercise. Stand periodically and move about. Do not sit frozen in one place over long periods of time typing or working on the computer. Break up your tasks as much as possible. Also take time to stop the motion and stretch your wrists back and forth. This keeps the transverse carpal ligament loose, a very important step in avoiding a worsening problem. Make an effort to find a healthy, comfortable position and rhythm when you work to avoid the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome has been a pain in your side for years now. You are tired of the same old problems. You can’t seem to type comfortably anymore without your hands becoming fatigued. Visit carpal tunnel exercises to less experience pain and to avoid spending money for surgery.