Are You at Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

It might not seem like something you need to worry about, but carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is quite common, and the sooner it's treated, the better. Early in the disorder, it's typically reversible, but over time, permanent nerve damage can occur. 
 

Factors, Professions and Conditions that Increase Risk

In order to catch an early diagnosis, it's important you're aware of the different factors that put you at higher risk.
Age and Sex

• Older adults are at a higher risk than young adults
• CTS is very rare in children
• Women are three times as likely to develop CTS
• Women experience an increased risk during pregnancy, after delivering a baby and during menopause

Health Conditions

• Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, increase risk
• Obesity, thyroid disorders and kidney failure also contribute

Occupations at Highest Risk
Below is a list of the occupations at risk for carpal tunnel, ranked from highest to lowest. If you know anyone in one of these professions, pass this copy to him or her.

• Laborers and freight, stock, and material, movers
• Customer service representatives
• First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers
• Janitors, maids, and housekeeping cleaners
• Food service managers
• First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers
• Automotive service technicians and mechanics
• Executive secretaries and administrative assistants
• Financial managers

• Sewing machine operators
• Truck drivers
• Office clerks
• Accounting and auditing clerks
• Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers
• Sheet metal workers
• Packers and packagers
• Computer software engineers
• Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers
• Stock clerks and order fillers
• Tire repairers and changer

 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

Pay attention to these signs and symptoms. If you suspect you may have CTS, visit your chiropractor as soon as possible.

• Pain, numbness or tingling occurs in the fingers, hands, muscles, thumb or wrist
• Often occurs at night
• Muscle weakness, spasms or loss of muscle
• Pins and needles, tingling or burning sensations
• May feel the urge to "shake out" your hand to relieve symptoms