|
Modern technology has brought us many wonderful things; however, it has also brought us much suffering. Today, millions of people work long hours at the computer, tapping away at the keyboard and clicking with the mouse. This has led to a dramatic rise in the incidence of repetitive use injuries (also known as cumulative trauma disorder) such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Symptoms include numbness, fatigue and pain, usually in the dominant hand or wrist, as a result of soft tissue injury and inflammation. While surgeons have made billions by cutting up people's wrists, they have achieved only limited success. As a result, people are finally looking for help from acupuncture and Oriental medicine, which has continually proven to be effective in reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged tissues. People now know that the answer to their pain can be found for a fraction of the cost and without unnecessary surgery. Since computers are here to stay, it is of utmost importance that people become aware of a safe and effective treatment for the problems associated with long hours of work in front of the monitor.
Many other activities and professions put people at risk of repetitive use injuries, including cashiers, restaurant workers, musicians, heavy equipment operators, and athletes, just to name a few. The repetitive motions and excessive forces combine to create what Oriental medicine describes as a stagnation of Qi and Blood. At first, the stagnation may only be evident during the problem activity, with the numbness and pain subsiding with rest. Without treatment, as well as changes in behavior, the stagnation will become more serious, and the pain will be constant and more severe. It is best to get acupuncture treatments as soon as possible, since the longer and more severe the problem, the more difficult it is to cure.
Cumulative trauma disorders are becoming the largest category of work related injuries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Reported cases have risen from only 18% in 1981, 28% in 1984, up to 52% in 1992. It is estimated that by the year 2000, 70% of all occupational illnesses reported will be due to repetitive use injury.
One important preventative step is to take frequent breaks (at least 5 minutes for every 20 minutes at work) and do some gentle wrist stretches. Without rest, the strain will increase rapidly and the inflammation will become more severe. Plus, the movement of simple stretches will counteract the stagnation of Qi and Blood, and restore circulation.
You should also check on the ergonomics of your work station. Most importantly, your wrist should be in a neutral position, meaning you should be able to draw an imaginary straight line from your forearm to your knuckles. If your wrists remain bent, in any direction, during use for prolonged periods, you are setting yourself up for a problem.
|
|
Some important considerations when arranging your work station;
1. The hands should be level with the elbows or slightly lower, with the shoulders relaxed and the arms at your sides. This will allow your wrist to remain neutral.
2. The monitor screen should be about 24 inches from the eyes, with the middle of the screen slightly below eye level.
3. Hips should be at a 90 degree angle, with the feet flat on the floor, and your lower back supported.
4. Avoid resting wrist and elbows on hard surfaces.
Our hands provide us with a primary connection to our world, and so much of our lives depend on their use. Therefore, the health of our hands will directly affect the quality of our lives. Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine has thousands of years of success in the treatment of orthopedic injuries such as cumulative trauma disorder. Let us be extra careful to take care of our most precious gift, our health.
|
