Every career has its pros and cons when it comes to physical exertion, stress, work hours, and more. When a worker develops carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), is it the job that’s the culprit or is there something else responsible for the patient’s symptoms?
We spend about a third of our time each week at work. It makes sense that certain jobs are more likely to cause or exacerbate CTS. Current research shows that jobs that include the following factors have an elevated risk for repetitive stress injuries, like CTS. These factors are as follows: highly repetitive tasks; exposure to vibratory/percussive forces; and little-to-no downtime or rest breaks.
Examples of careers associated with such factors include auto repair, landscaping, garment work, computer work, and dental hygiene. Careers in hair dressing, music, retail, radiology, meatpacking, massage therapy, and carpentry, are also other examples.
Risks of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
One’s risk for developing CTS symptoms can also be raised by factors outside of work. These can include conditions like diabetes, hypothyroid, obesity, and arthritis (rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, most commonly). Hormonal changes associated with birth control and pregnancy; and musculoskeletal dysfunction elsewhere along the course of the carpal tunnel. If someone already has an increased risk for CTS takes on a vocation that requires repetitive and forceful movements with few breaks, then the chances they develop pain, tingling, and numbness in their hands and wrists may be even higher.
The good news is that in many cases, a worker can recover from CTS and return to their job of choice with reasonable work modification and better management of health conditions associated with increased CTS risk. Night splinting and dietary modifications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Conservative care usage to address any musculoskeletal issues that are present (of which chiropractic care is a fantastic choice).
