Tunnel Syndrome

A more accurate name for the tunnel syndrome, to which "computer scientists" and representatives of some other professions are exposed - carpal tunnel syndrome (carpal tunnel syndrome). The reason for this is the monotonous work with the load onbrush right (left-handed - left) hands, including work with an uncomfortable computer mouse or wrong setting of hands when typing on the keyboard.

In fact, carpal tunnel syndrome ishand injury. When working with a mouse (especially uncomfortable), the brush flexes excessively in the wrist, and a large number of monotonous movements causes unnecessary strain on the same group of muscles. The result is located in the carpal tunnel (tunnel) median nerve compressed, which leads to a violation of the sensitivity and mobility of the hand).

What are the main signs of tunnel syndrome? First, in the area of ​​the wrist, palm and fingersthere are unpleasant sensations. If the disease progresses, fingers and palms begin to weaken, the arm grows numb, and when you try to lift a heavy object in the wrist joint, burning pain occurs. Pain can be given in the forearm and intensified at night. In neglected cases there is stiffness in the fingers, atrophy and weakness in the muscles in the region of the thumb.

How to determine if you have a tunnel syndrome? Try to fold your hands, as in prayer, andhold in such a position for a couple of minutes. If there are pain in the wrist area, then you are likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome. In this case, it is not superfluous to consult a neurologist: he will conduct special tests that will help confirm or deny the diagnosis, and, if necessary, prescribe a treatment.

Tunnel syndrome is treated conservative or operational method. With conservative treatment appointanti-inflammatory drugs, and brush for the night fix with a langetic bandage so that it does not bend. With relapse of the disease or in neglected cases, an operation is performed - dissection of the transverse ligament of the wrist under local anesthesia.

Prevention this disease is quite simple. To prevent tunnel syndrome, you should follow several rules for organizing a workplace:

• The optimal height of the keyboard from the floor is 65-75 cm.


• The presence of ergonomic and convenient for you personally a mouse and keyboard.


• Ability to adjust the height and tilt of the keyboard (the distance from the table surface to the middle of the keyboard is no more than 30 mm, the angle of the keyboard rise is from 2 ° to 15 °).


• The presence of the palm rest for the hands.


• The presence of a mouse pad with protection from tunnel syndrome (special protrusion ensures the correct position of the brush).


• Presence of a chair or armchair with armrests.

When working with a mouse and keyboard, you should also follow certain regulations. When you type the text, the hand must bebent at the elbow at a right angle (90 °), and when working with the mouse, make sure that the brush is straight and lying on the table as far as possible from the edge. By the way, the time with the computer should be limited to the really necessary.

To prevent tunnel syndrome, make special exercises for brushes The more often, the better. These exercises will help improve blood circulation in the muscles and stretch them. First you need to shake your hands, then about 10 times squeeze-unclench your fingers. Then squeeze your fingers into fists and rotate them around your axis. Then press one hand on the fingers of the second hand from the palm of your hand (as if turning your wrist and palm out). Straighten your hands and move your fingers. The complex of exercises should be repeated approximately every 45 minutes, the duration of one exercise is 1-2 minutes.

Tunnel Syndrome It is easier to prevent than cure. Proper organization of the workplace, regular exercise, limiting the time spent at the computer will help you avoid carpal tunnel syndrome.