Working online and Carpal Tunnel

**ernest1918** · 03-31-2010 11:33 AM

man so I've been doing this IM thing for awhile and lately I have been busting balls on things and I've got real bad hand pain guessing its carpal tunnel you guys experience any similar pain? if are there ways to relieve the pain or even prevent it....i try to take frequent breaks

**noob** · 04-08-2010 01:25 AM

Hey Ernest1918,

I spend probably 16-18 hours a day on the computer most days, with maybe a day or two off due to meetings and networking and tiny breaks in between but for the most part I am on the computer almost constantly. I honestly can't say I've experienced any hand pains but I know of a few friends who have had this issue, case seems to be apparent only in a few people I know regardless of the fact that I know a massive number of people who are working on the computer non-stop almost every day. I'm not sure if it'll help but some of the things my friend suggest is getting an elevated stand for your keyboard, a gel arm rest, and an ergonomic keyboard. Obviously take frequent breaks if your hurting as well.

**bdawg56kg** · 04-12-2010 02:31 PM

I am also concerned with this, as I spend a lot of time on the computer. I have yet to experience carpal tunnel, but I am worried about my eyes. I noticed my vision is getting worse lately. I hope its just from getting older and not the computer.

**nickrees** · 04-14-2010 02:51 AM

Carpal Tunnel syndrome can be very painful, Before starting work on your computer , do wrist exercises, flexing, circular movements, etc. Ensure your desk & chair are adjustable, less strain on your wrist. Using a cushioned or jellied wrist pad helps. As it is a nerve pain, if your wrist becomes swollen ,ice packs should help. Taking frequent breaks from the computer, (easier said than done ! ) If it continues, check with your Doctor.

**JayZSoho** · 04-15-2010 10:35 AM

I have Carpal Tunnel as well. However, mine may stem from being a guitarist in addition to spending tons of hours on the computer. I always do wrist exercises each morning and try taking lots of breaks in between typing. One other thing that I've come across that has been miraculous is a magnetic therapy bracelet. Ever since I started wearing mine a few years ago, the carpal tunnel pain will only return occasionally. I purchased one from some dealer while at a fair in town, and apparently the guy doesn't have a website or anything so I couldn't tell you his contact info--he does most of his business by traveling around the country selling his products to individuals in person because he doesn't believe in internet marketing. One thing I can tell you is to be sure that the magnetic therapy bracelet you purchase is safe (including the correct magnetic pole being on the correct side).

I hope this helps!

-Jay

**CGM** · 04-15-2010 01:52 PM

Yup, same here. Join the club. Mine stems from hours of having bent fingers as I type, but ontop of that the many hours a week I ride a bike keeping my hands tightly gripped on the handle bars.

Its gets so bad that I have to physcially slide my hand off the side of my grips on my bike (mainly left hand) as I can't fully open it to just release the bar.

I'm sure popping my knuckles and fingers all the time doesn't help either.

Just gotta play through the pain. Stretch 'em out, and if its too bothersome I will indulge in ancient herbal medicinal-plant remedies

**LSnyder** · 04-16-2010 09:16 AM

I have carpel tunnel syndrome as well and have had it for many years. Carpel tunnel, if it progresses tends to begin to shoot up your arm towards your elbow. One thing I do suggest is getting the wrist braces. The brace has a metal support for your hand and wrist and when I feel a flare up I begin sleeping with the braces on.
I know this sounds silly (if your're a guy) but have someone rub lotion on your hands ands wrists and massage them. It does tend to loosen you up a little. it usually takes a while for carpel tunnel to come into play and the initial diagnosis usually starts out with tendonitis and treated with anti-inflamatories. I tried the magnetic bracelet but it didn't work for me.
There are surgeries that can be done however, I understand there is a 50% chance of it returning and with revenge.
You may want to try exercising your hand with one of those hand grips that you squeeze. From doing so much typing my hands were extremely weak and I found that moving them to exercise in different ways and building up their strength has greatly cut down on the pain.

Best wishes.

**finances5** · 04-16-2010 11:13 AM

Perhaps, maybe also take a break every 15 mins or so. Walk around the room or something. And perhaps maybe don't over do it on the amount of time you spend online. Sometime I find that working in a "9 to 5" sense seem to be sufficient. And don't log on in the evenings as much and when I do, it's usually in just an "in and out" basis just to check few things. Otherwise, I'm mostly logged on just during the daytime, before supper and would relax a bit in evenings after a "good day's work". Just some constructive advice.

**ernest1918** · 04-16-2010 11:39 AM

wow great advice everyone I have seen those magenetic bracelets at walmart for like ten bucks or something I'm not sure if that is the real thing but right now the pain has increased. I took a week off from my evening work I do at home that requires a lot of typing and my hands were great. Two days into this week, when i started to do work at home it came up again. I will also try out the sleeves.....ha i think they look really stupid and they make me look old as I am still pretty young but if i am sleeping with them then no problem. MY pain has started to shoot up to my elbows which is pretty insane but I have been trying to take constant breaks and what not. Again thank you for the responses, i'll try these things out