Jobs that Increase Carpal Tunnel Risk

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an unfortunate condition that causes mild to severe pain and discomfort in the hands. As one of the most common sources of pain and medical conditions in the country, carpal tunnel is a subject of concern for millions of individuals. But watch out for key jobs that increase carpal tunnel risk.

There are many different activities and jobs that can increase one’s risk for developing carpal tunnel. Understanding whether or not your own job is one that places risk on yourself can help you stay aware of whether or not you’re at risk for carpal tunnel.

If you’re suffering from carpal tunnel, or are worried you’re at risk for developing this condition, take a look at this overview on the subject.

What Is Carpal Tunnel?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a complex condition that impacts the health and wellness of one’s hands. At its core, carpal tunnel is a neurological condition that causes pain and discomfort in one’s hands.

The primary causation of carpal tunnel syndrome is through repetitive strain and stress in one’s hands. When one performs repetitive, rapid, or forceful hands movements ad nauseum for extended periods, it means that one is somewhat at risk for developing carpal tunnel.

These types of movements tend to stress a set of tendons in the hands called the wrist flexor tendons. These tendons are responsible for helping the fingers curl. Overtime, these tendons can become afflicted with inflammation. This in turn causes the exacerbation of the existing carpal tunnel. Some of the effects or symptoms of carpal tunnel include:

Tingling
Burning
Numbness
Pins-and-needles
Weakness
Itching
Feelings of finger puffiness
Shocked sensations

The pain from carpal tunnel can be somewhat intermittent and difficult to predict in terms of how it will impact an individual. Sometimes the pain can be worse when one is at rest or trying to sleep. In some individuals, the pain is a constant throb, while in others, the pain comes and goes.

Sometimes, individuals who have severe carpal tunnel will feel the need to shake out their hands, or to ice or massage their hands constantly. These methods can be somewhat effective at treating the condition.

Jobs at Risk

There are many different positions that are especially vulnerable to developing carpal tunnel. In fact, according to the professional databases, the number of patients who have developed severe Carpal Tunnel is sharply on the rise.

There is quite an extensive list of professions that place their constituents at risk of developing carpal tunnel. Some of the positions that place an individual at risk for developing this condition include the following:

Telephone operators
Electrical assemblers
Cafeteria attendants
Hairstylists
Mechanic
Truck Drivers
Farmer
Massage therapists
Computer programmers
Carpenter
Musician

The full list of professions that leave an individual vulnerable to developing carpal tunnel extends well beyond the positions mentioned above. Any job that requires an individual to engage in repetitive or forceful motions with their hands should be considered one that is at risk for developing carpal tunnel.

Treating Carpal Tunnel

Because carpal tunnel is so incredibly common, physicians perform carpal tunnel release surgery at increasingly high rates. In this type of procedure, a surgeon “releases” the median nerve of the hand that becomes bound or trapped by the tissues inside your hand. This type of procedure is reserved for more serious cases of carpal tunnel that meet the following criteria:

The case of carpal tunnel has persisted for longer than 6 months
The symptoms are intense or severe to the point that they interfere with your ability to perform day-to-day tasks
You have tried every nonsurgical remedy available

For cases of carpal tunnel that are on the less severe side, there are several different treatment options available for those who are looking to find relief. Some of the more common treatment options include:

Icing the problem area of your wrists consistently
Certain massage techniques
Stretching
Avoiding overuse

Recovering from Carpal Tunnel Surgery

The recovery process for carpal tunnel release surgery isn’t overly difficult, many patients will find that they recover full within a few weeks. However, during this period, you should attempt to avoid using your hands or subjecting yourself to too much stress. Your physician should be able to inform you about the necessary steps to take after your procedure to preserve your results.

Your Resource for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Dr. Yashar is one of the most competent physicians in Southern California for helping patients who are suffering from carpal tunnel. If you’re having this issue, take a look at our website and contact Dr. Yashar in order to set up an appointment and find out why he’s considered LA’s leading spine surgeon.