Minimise new health costs in New Year

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Bosses and parents urged to factor in new health costs in New Year

Lara Cawthra, Camberley Chiropractor and Member of the Chiropractor's Association of Australia urge employers and parents of high school aged children who rely heavily on computer assisted learning to implement preventative measures to combat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), a painful crippling complaint affecting hand movement.

Chiropractors say the incidence of CTS is on the rise and bosses are exposing themselves to potential long-term legal issues and lost productivity by not implementing a program to reduce the risk.

Chiropractors also say that CTS, which can develop with computer use where the nerve through the wrist gets trapped, is also on the rise in high school and tertiary institutions where computer assisted learning and research is popular.

National spokesperson for the Chiropractors' Association of Australia, Dr Andrew Lawrence, said today that CTS was now emerging as a serious health issue in Australia.

"Computers are part of many people's day-to-day work or learning routine, and whilst a vital tool, we need to be aware of the potential ramifications," Dr Lawrence said.

"Whilst on a smaller scale CTS is causing discomfort amongst many Australians, and forcing many employees to take sick days, what is most alarming is that surgery is usually the treatment of choice for long-term sufferers.

"In today's society where employers are being made accountable for workplace conditions impacting on staff health, this trend should also be alarming employers to take preventative measures.

"What they should also be aware of and what many sufferers fail to realise before opting for painful and costly surgery to correct CTS is that they should first get a thorough assessment of their cervical spine and of their entire arm by a chiropractor.

"The nerves to our arms and hands originate in the neck, and spinal adjustment in that area as part of overall chiropractic care can help alleviate CTS, and be a saviour from expensive and painful surgery."

Dr Lawrence said CTS is commonly due to repetitive strain from overuse syndromes.

"The human body was not meant to stay in one, constrained position for prolonged periods of time, but requires regular motion and activity to maintain normal circulation and keep muscles relaxed," Dr Lawrence said.

"The result of prolonged static postural strain is fatigue in the muscles and eventually joint, nerve or disc injury.

"The pain may start suddenly or gradually, but the problem was inevitably brewing for months, years or even decades.

"It is essential to take a break every 20 minutes to recharge our muscles and take strain off our joints and discs - even if just for 10 - 30 seconds." With work-related musculoskeletal injuries a leading cause of lost workdays and workers' compensation claims, Dr Lawrence outlined three tips for reducing this risk.