Carpal Tunnel Syndrome often abbreviated as the acronym CTS, is an illness that manifests itself in parasthesia, numbness, and weakness in the hand or hands. Parasthesia is numbness or prickling feelings, colloquially known as “pins and needles”. The primary cause is the compression of the median nerve at the wrist. The condition can be treated with carpal tunnel exercises using yoga.
While many people believe carpal tunnel means you have problems in your arms, it’s actually the wrist that contains the problem. When the area swells and builds up fluids, the median nerve becomes compressed. How exactly CTS is caused remains a mystery, but most of it is from genetics. Then of course you can find information on environmental factors being the culprit as well.
CTS is often a misdiagnosis for Repetitive Strain Injury, or RSI. In RSI, prolonged periods of repetitive use of the hands can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. This is a common complaint among those who spend a lot of time typing on a keyboard of some description. Though there is little medical evidence to prove its existence, RSI has become recognized as one of the risks of modern living.
There is no established medical connection between RSI and CTS, though many believe they are related. Overuse of the hands causes excess fluids to build in the carpal tunnel, and the flexor tendons for the fingers can also swell. Either of these two events can lead to compression of the median nerve, causing CTS.
CTS can be prevented, or at least the risk can be reduced. The most pro-active ways involve changes to the work environment and work behavior to prevent CTS. Taking carpal tunnel exercises using yoga and frequent breaks when using programs that require repetitive use of the keyboard or mouse is recommended. There are free software programs that remind the user to take breaks, to facilitate this practice. Mild stretching and bending during these breaks are encouraged. Often, ergonomic changes to improve wrist position, such as lowering the keyboard to achieve a 90-degree angle at the elbow, are the most effective. Keeping the hands warm also helps, and reducing the force with which one uses the computer peripherals are great steps toward preventing CTS.
There are several treatments for CTS. Surgery is a drastic measure, reserved for the most extreme cases, but the resultant effect may be unpredictable. Local injections of steroids are another option, but this is suitable only for short periods of time. Splinting and the use of other medical devices are the least invasive methods, but many do not wish to use them. Many find that modifications to work behavior, such as taking short breaks frequently, as well as massage, are the most accessible ways to relieve symptoms. Other than that, carpal tunnel exercises using yoga that gently stretch the wrist are the best way.
Centuries upon centuries ago, yoga was integrated as a system of meditation. With a vast array of stretching exercises that help all parts of the body, yoga is quickly becoming the most popular routine in Western exercising. It builds flexibility throughout the entire body, and gives you better circulation, helps reduce stress, and makes your muscles stronger. Even if you aren’t the one that has carpal tunnel, yoga is something to think about doing just to become healthier. Just think about it before you go do something drastic.
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