What’s the relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and body mass index (BMI)? A 1994 study focused on 949 patients with right arm numbness and tingling. In a study, the patients experienced electromyography and nerve conduction velocity. This is the “gold standard” of tests to diagnose nerve injuries in conditions such as CTS.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Research
Researchers sub-divided the group by age, body size, and gender. There were three groups: younger than 45; between 45 and 64; and 65 or older. Their body size was defined by BMI and gender. Investigators compared those who were obese to the other groups. Obese candidates have a BMI of more than 29. Slender – BMI is less than 20; normal – BMI is 20-25; heavy – BMI is 25-29.
261 patients diagnosed with CTS, only 16% were slender compared with 39% who were obese. Those with obese body types are 2.5 times more likely to develop CTS than slender individuals. Regarding gender, 43% of obese women had CTS compared to 32% of obese males who had CTS. 21% of slender women had CTS compared to 0% of slender males with CTS. The peak occurrences were in the 45-65-year-old group (41%). Those 65 years or older (26%), with the rate in those younger than 45 years old group at 21%.
This study is consistent with identified risk factors for developing CTS: obesity, older age, and being female.
Conclusion
Other studies have found that people with square-shaped wrists, short/wider palms with shorter third fingers, and those with poor upper back strength have a higher risk of developing CTS.
Well-known risk factors such as diabetes, arthritis, pregnancy, birth control, occupation type, smoking, alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, bad” cholesterol, and genetic factors. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat CTS, and all studies recommend early treatment.
