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From: howes@unc.UUCP (Byron Howes )
Newsgroups: net.med
Subject: Re: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ("Hacker's Hand")
Message-ID: <7514@unc.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 23-Aug-84 00:21:23 EDT
Article-I.D.: unc.7514
Posted: Thu Aug 23 00:21:23 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 14-Aug-84 00:42:03 EDT
References: <186@wlbr.UUCP>
Organization: University of North Carolina Comp. Center
Lines: 27

In answer to the question what is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, what causes
it and what are its symptoms ---

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a tightening of the connective tissue which
forms the roof of the Carpal Tunnel in the wrist such that the Median
Nerve, the nerve which transmits signals to the thumb, index, middle
and part of the ring finger, is compressed.  The symptoms are numbness
or pain in those fingers.  In extreme cases there can be intense pain
and loss of motor control.  Notions about what cause it vary, but it
can be anything from the beginning stages of arthritis, inflammation 
after injury to the wrist or genetic predisposition.  Treatment is
partial immobilization in mild cases, steroid injections into the 
wrist in more severe cases and surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve.

It is apparently a fairly common condition and is an occupational hazard
among people who use their hands a great deal in their work.  If you 
use a terminal regularly, make sure that it is at correct typing
height and not on your desk or on a desk high table.  If you are given
to resting your arms on your desk -- don't!  The improper backward
flex in the wrist over a sufficient length of time may bring on the
condition if you are predisposed to it.
-- 


					   Byron Howes
					UNC - Chapel Hill
				  ({decvax,akgua}!mcnc!unc!howes)