Computers and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This is a good overall review of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, I have just one comment. For some reason, there is perpetuation of the myth that keyboarding or typing CAUSES carpal tunnel syndrome.

While improper wrist positioning may exacerbate an underlying CTS, typing and key boarding do NOT cause CTS.

This information has been put by the ASSH (American Society for Surgery of the Hand) and the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic has even done research on the topic and has shown that typing does not cause CTS. Many countries and states have dropped CTS as a workman's compensation case in employees who type.

Again, for some reason, this myth seems to keep going onward. People just keep repeating what they have heard or read, but never really investigated the topic themselves.


The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) has the position of:

"What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Usually the cause is unknown. Pressure on the nerve can happen several ways: swelling of the lining of the flexor tendons, called tenosynovitis; joint dislocations, fractures, and arthritis can narrow the tunnel; and keeping the wrist bent for long periods of time. Fluid retention during pregnancy can cause swelling in the tunnel and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, which often go away after delivery. Thyroid conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes also can be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. There may be a combination of causes."


The Mayo Clinic has also done research on the subject, from their website:

"Workplace Factors: It's possible that working with vibrating tools or on an assembly line that requires prolonged or repetitive flexing of the wrist may create harmful pressure on the median nerve, or worsen existing nerve damage. But the scientific evidence is conflicting and these factors haven't been established as direct causes of carpal tunnel syndrome. There is little evidence to support extensive computer use as a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome."


This also: by ASTRID COOK Observer-Reporter Online[06/17/01]

"A study released this week offers some surprising and not-so-surprising insight concerning the infamous repetitive stress disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome. For some time now, nearly everyone assumed the problems associated with carpal tunnel syndrome - pain and numbness in the wrist and hand - were caused by the repetitive action of data entry on a computer keyboard.
However, while key strokes and mouse clicks may exacerbate carpal tunnel, researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona have found that computer use does not cause the problem. Doctors long have suspected that carpal tunnel and computers were not related, although common wisdom has put blame on new technology. Thus, the Mayo Clinic findings did not come as a surprise to neurology professionals."


So, yes, the computer keyboard still gets the rap, but there is no research to show it causes CTS, and the research there is, says is DOES NOT cause CTS.