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Blaming Genetics for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a Cop-Out!
Carpal tunnel syndrome is not a genetic disorder. If you say it is a genetic
disorder and point to a persons structure or gender or race, then you are saying
that all people with a smaller frame/wrist - female vs. male; race vs. race ... and a
smaller wrist points to a higher risk factor, smaller tunnel for the median nerve to
pass through, all is possible. It does not mean a person with a smaller frame is
not as strong, or a person with a larger frame is less liking to be at risk ...
depending on his/her occupation ... to develop symptoms of carpal tunnel
syndrome. Really think about this. Everyone is at risk to develop a
musculoskeletal disorder, lower back strain, shoulder strain, wrist strain, when
doing a physical job or hobby ... whether working on a computer or out on a
fishing boat gutting fish, or sitting and quitting all day ... you can develop a
repetitive strain disorder.
According to the American Orthopaedic Surgeons Association (AAOS),
Dr. David Ring, MD announced at their 2007 conference in San Diego, "that the
concept that carpal tunnel is caused by overuse is, on average, relatively weak."
Now they blame genetics as the cause.
"They are not sure of course what those genetic factors are but the cause
could be related to the structure of the wrist and hand." The only options
recommended, are still rest, splints and surgery, which has a guarantee of only
50% of working or failing. Statistics still show that CTS surgeries are repeated
several times over a period of years. When the bandages come off and you go
back to doing what you did, it all begins again. The Pain. The cause was not
dealt with only the symptoms. Carpal Tunnel Surgery after a decade and a half is
still the #2 surgery in this country and costing worker compensation billions of
dollars a year according to Liberty Mutual Insurance Company.
Next, they want to downplay the fact that a person who works at a
keyboard, typing 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, and that this has no bearing on
whether you are at risk to develop a repetitive strain injury! That it does not
cause muscle strain from overwork?
It has everything to do with increasing the risk of developing a
musculoskeletal disorder/repetitive strain. It does not matter if you have a
smaller wrist structurally or are of a race or gender that predisposes you to a
smaller wrist. The health of your Body is dependent on what you do to take care
of it, (strengthen it, stretch it, etc.) what you feed it, how you deal with stress and
the workload on the Body.
What you eat is what you are. Eating junk food, high in trans-fats, sugars,
caffeine, alcohol, sodas, habits such as smoking, and taking drugs, whether
prescription or illegal, disrupts your body's biochemistry. It changes how your
organs and glands function and produce the right amount of hormones to make
your body purr. This increases the amount of internal stress and the external
stress as shown in your moods and attitude. The muscles react to overwork and
muscle tension increases when the biochemistry is out of balance.
If you want to beat carpal tunnel syndrome, then there are only 7 things
that need to be done to prevent an occurrence. But even if you do get
symptoms, know that following a preventative program of regular maintenance
will keep your body strong and pain free.
- EAT FOODS that are wholesome for the health of your body. Preferred are
organic or natural. Grow your own is another way or go to www.aerogrow.com
and get a kitchen garden. Do the best you can but eat for the health of your
body!
- KEEP YOUR BIOCHEMISTRY BALANCED. Get a hair analysis to find
out what minerals/vitamins you are deficient in. What toxic metals are blocking
physiological function? It can tell you about the health (at the cellular level) of
your thyroid, adrenals, blood sugar, and the state of ones health and vitality,
physically, mentally and emotionally. There are many companies that do Hair
Analysis. Search the Internet for a lab that does not wash the hair before they
analyze it. I use ARL and their program.
- REDUCE YOUR STRESS and do stress reduction techniques such as deep
breathing, yoga, meditation, and a regular exercise program. Breathe fresh air
and drink good water to rehydrate the muscles.
- GET A MASSAGE ONCE A WEEK OR AT LEAST EVERY TWO WEEKS.
Massage or muscle therapy will help you relieve tension in your muscles,
increase lymphatic drainage to help remove toxins, increase circulation, and
most of all, it is a stress buster. It feels good! This is not a gift or a treat but a
necessity.
- VISIT A CHIROPRACTOR OR OSTEOPATH FOR STRUCTURAL
ALIGNMENT. This is a must to help maintain spinal alignment, prevent nerve
compression, and to enhance organ and glandular function. If a person has had
a serious injury - a fall, whiplash from a car accident, they should be seen. No
age is prohibited. Children should get a good start in life and maintain regular
visits as they grow.
- STRENGTHEN YOUR BODY through regular exercise. Once you are
structurally aligned, then you can begin a strengthening program that will balance
your muscles to decrease the risk of injury. Seek out an Occupational Therapist
or Physical Therapist versed in rehabilitation to help you begin the best program
for you.
- PACE YOUR SELF AT WORK. Stress and strain, rush, rush, rush to finish
increases tension through out the body. It all has the elements of an injury
waiting to happen. Frequent rest breaks, stretching and getting up and moving
can help to reduce the strain on the musculature.
- LEARN A SELF-CARE PROGRAM THAT YOU CAN DO EVERYDAY TO
HELP MAINTAIN YOUR BODY. I developed my own but there are many books
on the subject of carpal tunnel syndrome. Check them all out and see what works
for you.
If you are good to your Body, it will be good to you. Your quality of a lifetime of
good health depends on what you do to take care of it. Listen to your Body, it is
always talking to you.
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