Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Prevention

(Page 2)

Good Posture. Good posture is extremely important in preventing carpal tunnel syndrome, particularly for typists and computer users.

• The worker should sit with the spine against the back of the chair with the shoulders relaxed.
• The elbows should rest along the sides of the body, with wrists straight.
• The feet should be firmly on the floor or on a footrest.
• Typing materials should be at eye level so that the neck does not bend over the work.
• Keeping the neck flexible and head upright maintains circulation and nerve function to the arms and hands. One method for finding the correct head position is the "pigeon" movement. Keeping the chin level, glide the head slowly and gently forward and backward in small movements, avoiding neck discomfort.

Good Office Furniture. Poorly designed office furniture is a major contributor to bad posture. Chairs should be adjustable for height, with a supportive backrest. Custom-designed chairs, made for people who do not fit in standard chairs, can be expensive. However, the costs are often offset by the savings in medical expenses that follow injuries related to bad posture.

Voice Recognition Software. For CTS patients who must use a computer frequently, a variety of voice recognition software packages (ViaVoice, Voice Xpress, Dragon NaturallySpeaking, IListen) are now available, enabling virtually hands-free computer use.

Keyboard and Mouse Tips. Anyone using a keyboard and mouse has some options that may help protect the hands.

• The tension of the keys should be adjusted so they can be depressed without excessive force.
• The hands and wrists should remain in a relaxed position to avoid excessive force on the keyboard.
• A 2003 study suggested that mouse-use poses a higher risk than keyboard use. Replacing the mouse with a trackball device and the standard keyboard with a jointed-type keyboard are helpful substitutions.
• Wrist rests, which fit under most keyboards, can help keep the wrists and fingers in a comfortable position.
• Some people recommend keeping the computer mouse as close to the keyboard and the user's body as possible, to reduce shoulder muscle movement.
• The mouse should be held lightly, with the wrist and forearm relaxed. New mouse supports (ErgoCat) are also available that relieve stress on the hand and support the wrist.
• Some people cut their mouse pads in half to reduce movement.