People with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome sometimes write with questions. Here’s one email with my response:
(Note: Even though the author feels his symptoms came from lots of typing, a study by the National Institutes of Health says that’s not a cause. However, I don’t know who the test subjects were or what their quality of health or lifestyle was. People with perfect posture and healthy eating habits are less likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome. Perhaps the participants were coached in using ergonomic posture.)
Here’s the email:
Hi.
I have been typing since junior high school. I retired from the U.S.
Army after serving 20 years as an administrative specialist. Yes, typing
and on the computer for YEARS! I was told by different doctors that I
have carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis of both wrists. I am also a
retired body builder so I did a lot of heavy training. But over the
last few years I have been experiencing weakness now. I almost dropped
my coffee mug this morning. The pain was so bad and I just could not
hold the mug. I have had this pain before and it is to the point it
hurts to just shower, comb my hair, put on lotion, get dress, whenever
I have to move my wrist/hand/fingers. But it is only my left
hand/wrist. I’m right handed though. I am retired but am working again now as, you got it, administrative technician 🙂 I now think I want to change what I do and try something that does not involve so much
writing and typing. Any help or assistance is very welcomed 🙂 Thank
you and be blessed.
Here’s my reply:
Hello. Two things will make a big difference for you:
1.
Strengthen your back to improve your posture. Don’t worry about getting
a strong chest. The muscles in the front of your body pull you forward.
Strong back muscles (including the back of your neck) will help your
posture be more upright (including moving your head over your
shoulders.) All of that will take the pressure off the muscles in your
neck that cause carpal tunnel symptoms. There are very simple exercises
at SimpleStrengthening
There’s an easy-to-use program (so easy you can do it in bed, not a work-out at all) at Simple Strengthening Course.
2.
If you can have access to therapeutic massage that will make a big
difference. To find the right therapist who can really help you, right here at Carpal Tunnel Pain Relief, go to Categories, find the Massage category, and you will find an article about How To Find A Massage Therapist.
3.
Also here, under the Trigger Category, you will find an article
about The Muscle In Your Neck That Causes CTS. That is a large part of what I suspect is happening with you. That link will take you to a simple self-help program.
4. And, while you are here, check out the Self Help Category.
But, truly, the best thing I can think of is to have professional
therapeutic massage. You will be amazed at the tight areas a skilled therapist can find and release.
Stretching helps a lot but skillful massage helps a tremendous amount! A skilled therapist CAN help you get rid of your carpal tunnel symptoms naturally.
All the best,
Kathryn