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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Not Caused By Workplace Computer Use, Says New Report From Harvard Medical School

Posted on: Wednesday, 14 December 2005, 06:00 CST

BOSTON, Dec. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report refutes the common assumption that computer use causes carpal tunnel syndrome.

Instead, says a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School, carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which may occur because of heredity, body weight, fracture, or even pregnancy -- but not computer use.

"Recent research has found that heavy computer use -- up to seven hours a day -- does not increase risk for carpal tunnel syndrome," says the Harvard report. However, improper computer use and other workplace conditions can contribute to a type of disorder known as repetitive stress injury. Carpal tunnel syndrome is in fact not a repetitive stress injury, though it is often incorrectly described as one.

This 40-page report, Hands: Strategies for strong, pain-free hands, also explains the many causes of hand pain and describes the exercises, therapies, and medications used to treat them.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that affects between 2% and 3% of the population, occurs when one of the three major nerves that travel from the spinal cord down to the hand becomes "pinched." It affects nearly twice as many women as men. A procedure to ease this nerve disorder is one of the most common surgeries done in the United States, with more than 200,000 performed each year.

Recent research has found that heavy computer use -- up to seven hours a day -- does not increase risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. However, improper computer use and other workplace conditions can contribute to a type of disorder known as repetitive stress injury. Carpal tunnel syndrome is in fact not a repetitive stress injury, though it is often incorrectly described as one, says the Harvard report.

The report also covers such topics as arthritis of the hand joints, Raynaud's syndrome, finger fractures, dislocation, accidental amputation, trigger finger, tennis elbow, lupus, and gout. You'll learn how to keep your hands healthy and strong so you can enjoy the pleasures of work, play, and expression for years to come.

Hands: Strategies for strong, pain-free hands is available from Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of Harvard Medical School, for $24. Purchase a copy at http://www.health.harvard.edu/HND or by calling 1-877- 649-9457 (toll free).

Harvard Health Publications

CONTACT: Christine Junge of Harvard Health Publications,+1-617-432-4717, Christine_Junge@hms.harvard.edu

Web site: http://www.health.harvard.edu/

Source: PRNewswire

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