I received an email from a reader who didn’t have too much discomfort in his wrists, but does have a lot of discomfort in his elbow, hand, shoulders and neck. His pain usually starts when he is typing for long hours and then stays on even after he stops. He wondered whether he has Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Based on the information he gave, here is how I responded.
“I’m going to suggest several articles to you. I don’t think you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, but rather muscle strain. This happens when we spend long hours in just one position, especially when the position is not “ergonomically correct”.
Taking lots of breaks can help, especially when you stretch IN THE OPPOSITE direction of the one you are working in. Some people actually take a movement break every 15 minutes.
Also, position makes a big difference in how long you can work without discomfort. I have an impression that you are stretching to reach your keyboard or mouse. I also am guessing that you’re
working in a rounded-back position. Both of those positions will cause your neck, back and shoulders to hurt.
Prevention is worth a pound of cure? Yes! If you can prevent your pain from happening, you will be happier and so will your muscles.
How can you prevent your complaints from happening? Get a strong back. I have lots of articles about how to get a strong back easily at SimpleStrengthening.com
There are just SO many benefits to having a strong back, and one of them is when your back is strong, those muscles will be able to “hold their own” and be less likely to get strained. I even created an easy-to-use program just to help you get there.
Please go to the Categories here and scroll down to the Self Help category.
There are several articles that will help, so scroll down to these articles in the Self Help category:
>Action Steps to Reduce & Relieve Carpal Tunnel Pain
>Carpal Tunnel Pain Relief – 6 Steps to Heal
>Yoga articles
>Rescue & Relief for Computer Users
and especially…
>Benefits of Good Posture for Carpal Tunnel Pain Relief
>Stretches for Your Arm and Wrist – Video
>Carpal Tunnel Pain Relief with Posture –
I think these will be most helpful to you. There are many more articles in that category, but these are the most important.
Please write again if you have more questions, and I’m glad the movements have helped you.
Remember, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome happens for a reason (as all pain does.) If you get rid of the symptoms that you are having now, which could potentially lead to CTS, you will not develop CTS in the future.”
If you give your body what it needs–and stop doing the things it doesn’t like–you can prevent carpal tunnel pain, naturally!