If you have applied for a job where you have to grip or handle things often, you may have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) being a major problem at companies like these. The job is vital to you currently, but you are worried about possibly acquiring carpal tunnel syndrome. Are you able to prevent this? Although there are no guarantees, Lacey Olympia chiropractic will share some ways that you can avoid carpal tunnel syndrome.
1. Lighten your grip: Force, risk, and speed are all factors of carpal tunnel syndrome, so try to lighten all three up. Try using less force on your grip whenever you can. Changing habits may be hard, but lightening your grip will help to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. Some more things you can do are not pounding your keyboard, or not squeezing your computer mouse. Even little things like sports equipment and kitchen utensils can make the biggest difference.
2. Take breaks: For every 15 minutes of work, take a 30-60 second break. This allows the tissues in the hands and wrists to stretch and recover from being used.
3. Stretch: put your palm face down on a wall or desk and point your fingers down. Stretch your wrist as far back as you can until you can feel the muscles stretching in the forearm. Hold this for 5-10 seconds and repeat on the other side. 2: Make a tight fist, then flex your hand like a bear claw. Do each for three seconds rotating each. So fist, bear claw, fist, and on.
4. Keep your wrist neutral: When you find it possible, try to keep your wrists flat and straight, most importantly when driving, sleeping, etc. Use a splint when possible to remind you (this works for night time best).
5. Change your routine: Instead of doing the same thing over and over or doing a risky task all the way through, switch your tasks up in order to give your hands and wrists a break. Also make sure to switch from the right hand to the left hand.
6. Check your posture: Posture is a lot more vital in general health than most people think. By keeping your chin tucked in and head back, and sitting up tall with your knees, elbows, and hips at a 90 degree angle, you will help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. Remember not to slouch.
7. Avoid cold hands: Instead of letting your hands and fingers get cold, wear gloves and carry a small space heater with you. If you do not have any of these available, rubbing your hands together even helps.
8. Rotate tasks: talk to your co workers or boss about rotating between jobs so that you are doing a variety or different tasks. This is especially helpful in assembly line work.
9. Seek help right away: If any signs of carpal tunnel syndrome occur, make sure to contact us here at our Lacey Olympia chiropractic clinic. Waiting too long has been proven by studies to reduce treatment success. We can teach you exercises to do for carpal tunnel syndrome, adjust your posture, and suggest work improvements in order to treat muscles and joints.
Remember, if you are in pain and cannot find relief, make an appointment with us at our Lacey Olympia Chiropractic. Call us 360 951 4504 or make a booking online. But don’t forget, we are walk in friendly too.
