Long Commutes, Cell Phones While Driving Can Cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

	Tweet

Is your long, daily commute causing you pain? According to experts, hours in the car can create more than stress—it can actually cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

“Repeated, prolonged gripping of anything—whether it’s a steering wheel or a tool—can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome,” says Jennifer Valle, occupational therapist and certified hand therapist, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. “There are activities you can do and modifications you can make to help alleviate the risk of developing carpal tunnel.”

Here are some tips:
- Switch the hand you drive with—periodically using your left, then your right.

- Keep your hand in line with your elbow and your wrist straight.

“If you imagine the steering wheel as a clock, the best position to put your wrist in would actually be at three o’clock and nine o’clock.”

Experts say most people who have already developed carpal tunnel symptoms can reverse them by making simple changes.

“A lot of times patients will come back and say ‘I’m having fewer symptoms,’ and that the activity modifications are working,” adds Valle.

Something else drivers do which increases their risk of carpal tunnel—they talk on their cell phone while driving—holding it with their wrist bent. Experts say if you’re going to use your cell phone in the car get an earpiece or headset.

But what about wrist splints… do they help while driving? They do. You can find them at most pharmacies and they will force you to keep your wrist in a straight position.

For more information about Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, visit BaylorHealth.com.

Source: Baylor Health Care System

RELATED STORIES:
Are You at Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?   Vietnam vets more prone to drug-related deaths   Thinning bones linked to Alzheimer’s risk   Study reveals new possibility of reversing damage caused by MS   Constant worry may increase Alzheimer’s risk   Dyslexia varies across language barriers   Study links restless leg syndrome with erectile dysfunction in older men   Study Examines Stroke Risk Among Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery   Walking speed may predict stroke risk   Large waist size a good predictor of stroke risk   “Preconditioning” Helps Protect Brain’s Blood Vessels from Stroke   Dip in visual memory seen early in mental decline

Comments

[ + Post Your Own ]

Now you're in the public comment zone. What follows is not Armenian Medical Network's stuff; it comes from other people and we don't vouch for it. A reminder: By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.

Cell phones while driving is also very dangerous! Drivers are distracted at that time. Using hand-free accessories could make our hand focus on driving, besides allivating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome health problems.

posted by mobile on 09/24/2009 at 11:13 pm -08:00