Now that we are almost into the twenty first century it is becoming clear how our world has evolved technologically. Most of the technology which we have experienced is based on or related to computers. Computers have been successful tools in making our lives much easier. unfortunately, there has been a dramatic rise of repetitive Strain Injuries in the last six years, one of which is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It was in the last six years that computers began to take over our communication systems, which are what we thrive on, therefore more people have been using computers and using them more consistently than seen in the past. Fortunately, Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) are nothing fetal, so it is highly unlikely that technology will be reversed because of them, however more technological advancement might be difficult if something is not done to treat RSI and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common type of RSI. CTS is a condition that effects the hands and wrists. The condition occurs by pressure being put on the median nerve where is travels to the hand through a gap called the carpal tunnel. This gap lies under the transve

In the event that you happen to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, there are several options of treating it. The most common and basic treatment is immobilization of the hand and wrist, as long with anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Annaprox, and cortisone shots are given to to help strengthen the muscles , and reduce the pain. If this form of conservative therapy does not work there are various surgeries which can be done. One surgery that can be done is an Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release. This is when the wrist is opened up and the doctor goes in and cuts the transverse carpal tunnel ligament. This then releases the pressure on the median nerve, and after a few month of recovery and physical therapy the condition depletes. Another surgery that can be done is one using a balloon catheter, like what is used in angioplasty to open up blocked arteries. An incision of about a quarter inch is done under the transverse carpal tunnel ligament, the balloon is then inflated and inserted under the ligament. The balloon will stretch the ligament so that it will take the pressure off the median nerve.

11) Seror, P, "Nerve Conduction Studies After Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome." JAMA, May 12, 1993" Vol. 269 pp. 2374

6) Kleiner, Kurt "Making Fowl Work Less of a Strain." New Scientist, September 3, 1994: Vol. 143 pp.22

4) Kato, Takashi "Effects of Endoscopic Release of the Transverse Carpal Tunnel Ligament On Carpal Canal Volume." JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association, November 2, 1994: Vol. 272 pp.1310F

3) DeMont, John "A Pain In the Wrist." Maclean's, November 21, 1994: pp.50

Though it has been proven that repetitive stress on the hands and wrist is what leads to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome there are also other contributes to the condition. The other factors that can contribute to CTS are, pregnancy, thyroid disease, and oral contraceptives, or anything that causes fibers to swell in the tunnel area. Poor posture, when typing, puts extra strain on your arms and wrists and can therefore contribute to CTS, as well. The poor posture issue when typing is related to furniture issue. If you are using furniture that is not meant for typing, or furniture that is not positioned properly you will often find your self in lousy posture, which aggravates the arms, wrists, and hands. Given this list of other factors that go into getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome it is easy to see why middle aged women are most likely to develop CTS, because women are the people that take oral contraceptives, get pregnant, and most often have thyroid disease. Women are also much more susceptible to poor postu

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