When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome, most people naturally assume that those employed in certain industries are more prone to develop the condition by virtue of their job requirements. In fact, the type of work that most commonly comes to people's minds when they envision carpal tunnel syndrome is office work, meaning prolonged periods of time spent using a computer.

Interestingly, this assessment of carpal tunnel syndrome may not be entirely accurate.

"It's important to know that there's very little evidence that computer use causes carpal tunnel," said Dr. Jesse Jupiter, a hand surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital.

So what then is behind the pain and discomfort computer users experience in their wrists and hands?

To review, the carpal tunnel is actually a small tube located on the inner arm that is comprised of various ligaments, bones and tendons. Its primary function is to protect the major nerve - the median nerve - that travels through it.

The median nerve enables a person to move/feel the following: thumb, index finger, middle finger and the vertical half of their ring finger facing the middle finger.

Simply put, carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. It is often manifested by weakness and/or numbness throughout the aforementioned sections of the hand.

According to experts, however, some people may be mistaking general soreness and pain in their wrists/hands for carpal tunnel syndrome when the real culprit is likely simple muscle fatigue.

Interestingly, Jack Dennerlein of the Harvard School of Public Health believes that this muscle fatigue is more than likely caused by use of the computer mouse, not the keyboard. Why? People use the mouse twice as much as the keyboard, and when using the mouse the posturing/positioning of the wrist is less than ideal.

In order to alleviate this general muscle fatigue, medical professionals recommend taking periodic breaks to relieve pressure or stretching at regular intervals.

If you have questions or concerns about carpal tunnel syndrome, it is imperative that you speak with an experienced medical professional.

Stay tuned for further developments from our San Diego workers' compensation blog ...

This post was for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal or medical advice.

Related Resources:

When working at a computer all day, what's the best way to avoid wrist pain and carpal tunnel syndrome? (The Boston Globe)