Do you spend a lot of time typing on a computer? Maybe your job requires you to spend hours glued to your computer keyboard. If this sounds familiar, you could be at risk for the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Let’s take a deeper look into this condition, including causes and possible treatments . . .

Do you spend a lot of time typing on a computer? Maybe your job requires you to type, type, type all day long; day after day, after day, after day. Perhaps you write articles for a living and spend hours glued to your computer keyboard.

Sound familiar to you? It does to me! (Just kidding, boss)

I’m just having a little fun here (for real, I love my job). But in all honesty, if you do spend a lot of time typing, or even sending text messages on your wireless phone, you could be at risk for the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful condition that accounts for 60 percent of all occupational illnesses.

If you already suffer from carpal tunnel, there are ways to reduce or eliminate your pain and suffering. Let’s take a deeper look into this condition, including causes and possible treatments . . .

Carpal Tunnel Basics
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a swelling or irritation of the membranes around the tendons in the carpal tunnel, the ‘tube’ that runs from the forearm to the wrist that contains the medial nerve. The swelling often leads to feelings of numbness, tingling and pain, making it difficult, if not impossible, to type comfortably and efficiently. Symptoms can vary in intensity from a mild, annoying discomfort to a constant, crippling pain.

What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The repetitive task of typing is often to blame, but carpal tunnel syndrome can also be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, bone breaks or other trauma to the bones in the wrists, diabetes, and hormonal changes, such as those experienced by women who have gone through pregnancy or menopause.

Treatment Options
Typical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include resting the wrists for days, even weeks at a time, avoiding the tasks and behaviors that caused or aggravate the condition; the use of splints to support the wrists; and exercises designed to strengthen wrist muscles, bones and joints. Anti-inflammatory medications are often prescribed to help sufferers manage pain. In extreme cases, surgery may be required.

However, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, those aren’t your only options. Acupuncture and yoga have produced positive among hundreds of diagnosed patients. Also, consider treating yourself with these natural remedies:

Bromelain
This enzyme has shown promising results in reducing the swelling and inflammation often caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

Vitamin B2
While it may be beneficial on its own in easing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, B2 (also known as riboflavin) may be even more effective when taken in combination with vitamin B6.

Vitamin B6
Research has found a link between carpal tunnel syndrome and B6 deficiency, and studies of B6 supplementation have shown an improvement in symptoms in as little as six weeks. People who take hormones, such as women using birth control pills or undergoing hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms, are at risk for having lower amounts of B6.

If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, relief is in sight. By following the above advice, you can be back on that computer keyboard – and back to work – in no time!