There is no question that the absolute necessity of computers in the modern workforce has contributed to a rise in the number of workers afflicted with carpal tunnel syndrome. In fact, recently released figures from the federal government show that the number of afflicted workers may be higher than previously thought.

The annual National Health Interview Survey -- which consists of data gathered by the U.S. Census Bureau through personal household interviews -- reached the following conclusions regarding carpal tunnel syndrome in the workforce:

  • In 2010, 69.4 percent of all employed adults diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome were informed by their healthcare provider that their condition was directly related to their employment
  • In 2010, women were more likely than men to be afflicted with work-related carpal tunnel syndrome

Interestingly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also released its own data set on carpal tunnel syndrome in the workforce, revealing that 3.1 percent of all employed adults ranging in age from 18 to 64 were diagnosed with the condition in 2010.

For health experts, one of the more frustrating elements of carpal tunnel syndrome is that employers often fail to take the simple steps to prevent its onset.

"CTS is among the greatest driver of workers' compensation costs, lost time, lost productivity and disability," said Mary Susan Burt of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). "Many of these disorders could be prevented by identifying hazardous jobs and redesigning job tasks, tools and workstations to reduce the physical stressors."

For the uninitiated, the carpal tunnel is 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.

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.

Source:

Medical Daily, "CDC survey: Carpal tunnel syndrome mostly linked to work" Dec. 23, 2011