Ergonomic Advice

Does your wrist hurt or go numb sometimes? You might be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. You are not alone. According to compiled information from a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics study in 2018, carpal tunnel syndrome is the third most common type of work-related injuries.

A 2010 study done by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine said that those who are in the office and do administrative support are among those who are more at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Other occupations include being in production and personal care and service.

All told, it is a condition that needs to be addressed right away. While carpal tunnel syndrome is not fatal, it can lead to complete, irreversible median nerve damage. If left untreated, it comes with consequent severe loss of hand function.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm through a passageway in your wrist to your hand, is compressed. According to Mayoclinic.org, the median nerve is responsible for providing sensation to the palm side of your thumb and fingers, except the little finger. It also provides nerve signals to move the muscles around the base of your thumb (motor function).

There are studies that link mouse and mousepad activitie

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) all comes down to one nerve in your wrist -- the median nerve, which controls movement and feeling in your thumb and movement in every finger except your pinky.  The median nerve runs the full length of the arm, but the part where it passes through the wrist is called the carpal tunnel.  When you make repetitive motions with your fingers and wrist, the carpal tunnel can swell.

That’s bad.

There’s a lot of buzz around carpal tunnel, especially for gamers, creative types, and workaholics who spend their workdays behind a computer desk studying spreadsheets.  (Are our lives really so different?)

Now that you know what carpal tunnel is, here’s a quick walkthrough to help you prevent it.

Study the Art of the Grip

We’ve all been there:  You’re deadlocked in a showdown with a dragon in the middle of a six-hour Skyrim session and you haven’t even touched your drink.  It happens.  We all get sucked in, especially if it’s a good game and we’re having a good time.

Between those action-packed moments, though, when the loading screen pops up or a cinematic takes control out of your hands, take a moment to study the art of the grip.  Ease up on the controls a moment, relax your fingers, and do a few wrist exercises.

Remember, swelling in the carpal tunnel is a primary cause for CTS, so do yourself a favor and give your hands and wrists a chance to relax for a minute or two.  Thumb through the menu, sort your inventory, or -- if you’re