Work-Related Carpal Tunnel Causes
Is my job hurting me?
Maybe! Work-related injuries are extremely common carpal tunnel causes.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the second most common reason people miss work in the United States. In 2012, individuals with carpal tunnel symptoms required an average of 30 days away from work, according to the US Department of Labor.
“Workplace and individual risk factors both contribute to the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome … Preventive workplace efforts should target forceful exertions.”
– The National Institutes of Health
What occupations and recreational activities experience Carpal Tunnel Syndrome more frequently?
- Assembly Line Workers
- Cashiers, Bookkeepers, Accountants and Auditing Clerks
- Housekeepers, Janitors
- Drivers
- Food Preparation Workers
- Telecommunication Line Installers and Repairs
- Movers
- Carpenters
- Correctional Officers and Jailers
- Mechanics
- Constructions Workers, Laborers
- Nurses and Nursing Assistants
- Dental hygienists
- Cosmetologists
- Massage Therapists
- Hair Dressers
- Nail Technicians
- Musicians, Writers, Painters
- Athletes
- Computer-based Workers
- Sewers, Knitters, Quilters
- Finishers, Manufacturers
- Meat, Poultry, Fish Packers
What work-related risk factors are Carpal Tunnel Causes?
- Significant amount of hand force (pressing, gripping, pinching)
- Exposure to vibration (driving or using power tools)
- Forceful repetitive movements (chopping, hammering)
- Exertion despite fatigue (working through pain and discomfort)
- Awkward positioning (sitting slouched, standing twisted)
- Static positioning (computer work)
- Contact with hard surfaces (resting on a desk or holding a tool)
- Frequently carrying or lifting heavy objects (a child or boxes)
- Negative self-talk (“I am sick of my job.” “My job hurts my body.” “I don’t feel in control of my time.”)
What are my individual risk factors?
Take the free Risk Factors Self-Assessment to discover your predisposition to carpal tunnel causes.
Coach Cathy’s Personal Work Related Story
Coach Cathy Cohen, LMT, had been practicing therapeutic massage for 23 years when one year she simply did too much too hard for too long. Work. Family. Teaching. Hobbies. Back to work. All without resting. That, and the years of repetitive hand motion and forcefully manipulating literally tons of flesh, caused her to develop work-related Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
COACH CATHY CHANGED EVERYTHING!
She changed her massage style. She received a cortisone injection, occupational therapy and cold laser therapy. She started pacing her work and hobby schedule to allow for more rest. She even replaced most of her daily household tools that were carpal tunnel causes. One was the knife she uses in the kitchen.
Already a national educator and lecturer in the field of musculoskeletal pain complaints; Coach Cathy teamed with other health-care experts and co-founded this web-based Carpal Tunnel Coaching Resource Center.
Carpal Tunnel Coaching’s Solution
Allow Coach Cathy and Dr. KT Love to show you profound self-care concepts and simple techniques to alleviate your pain. Once 
registered for Carpal Tunnel Coaching’s online program, you will receive 12 video modules. Complete a new module every other day and practice regularly for best results. Once you understand the underlying principles, you can easily apply the solutions for relieving and preventing hand and wrist dysfunction. Find what you’re doing that is one of your carpal tunnel causes.
Try the Carpal Tunnel Coaching approach for at least one month before considering surgery.
What can I do in my workplace to avoid Carpal Tunnel Causes?
- Do stretching exercises.
- Take rest breaks.
- Take micro-breaks every hour (about three minutes each) with your hands resting on your lap.
- Change positions every 20 minutes as though you are a fidgety child.
- Maintain good posture and wrist position, for example:
Keep your spine upright and elongated. Try a BackJoy Relief plus. It makes sitting taller and stronger, easier. (The memory foam in the Relief plus makes a nice comfort difference for longer sitting periods.)- Keep your wrists in neutral position with little flexion or extension.
- Wear hand and wrist warmers.
- Keep your hands and wrists warm. This is especially important when you use tools in low temperatures.
- Meet with employers to develop programs to improve ergonomics.
- Replace tools and handles with more ergonomic ones.
- Ergonomically designed tools are easier to use. Handles that are textured are less likely to slip in your grip. Less slip equals less gripping effort.
- Handles, clubs or racquets that are broader generally allow a more relaxed, handshake-style of gripping.
- Pinching movements, such as holding a needle or a key, require more effort. Use a grip that folds all of your fingers toward your palm while keeping the wrist straight. Try a grip easing key holder.
- Ergonomically designed tools are easier to use. Handles that are textured are less likely to slip in your grip. Less slip equals less gripping effort.
- Wristbands and cushioned wrist rests prevent contact stress while you type.
- Coach Cathy has made it fashionable to wear fingertip-less gloves or athletic wristbands!
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