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Have you ever been working at the computer so long that your eyes "went buggy?" Or so intensely that you could barely move when you got up? Working long hours at a computer may be more hazardous than you know. One real possibility is that you will develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).

What is CTS?

CTS is a repetitive strain injury that many types of workers can get -- supermarket checkers, meat packers, illustrators, piano players, writers -- anyone who completes the same motion with the same muscles thousands of times a day. CTS is named for the nerve-protecting tunnels that lead from your fingers to your forearms. Repetitive strain to the nerves inside the carpal tunnel causes the nerves to become inflamed. The nerves don't have anywhere to expand, so they press against the carpal tunnel, causing numbness or tingling, primarily in the thumb and index finger. Without care, this can increase to pain in the palm, wrist, or forearm, and may eventually require surgery.

Why do Writers Develop CTS?

In writers, CTS is caused by the repetitive motion of using a computer keyboard. Unlike typewriters, computers do not provide for built-in breaks -- you don't need to add paper, press the carriage return, or stop to erase an error.

The lower level of muscle work required to use a computer keyboard and the tendency writers have to raise their fingers above their wrists or to rest their wrists on the desk strains the wrists; the straining is aggravated by completing many keystrokes a day. Laurie Ochsner, a Silicon Valley chapter member who has CTS, points out, "You don't have to be a nerd to get CTS -- an eight-hour workday can do it."

What if I have Symptoms?

If you have any of the symptoms of CTS, see your doctor! However, beware -- CTS is often identified as arthritis or muscle strain. Once you have been diagnosed with CTS, there are a few medical treatments that relieve pain and reduce swelling:

• anti-inflammatory drugs
• ultra-sound -- for deep heating, sometimes combined with cortisone cream treatments
• contrast baths -- soak wrists in hot, then cold water
• surgery -- this should be the last resort, as the surgery is painful and the recovery a long time

Your doctor may also recommend some preventive measures -- they can help even if you already show symptoms.

How do I get More Information?

I learned a lot about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from STC members. Other sources are:

MacWorld magazine, January 1990: "Is the Mac Jeopardizing Your Health?"

ITCC 1990 -- Laurie Ochsner presented a paper on Preventing and Coping with CTS. Laurie has had CTS for over three years and runs a CTS support group.

Writing is an exciting and fulfilling profession -- take care of your writing tools your hands and wrists) so that you can keep enjoying your work for many years.

Act Now to Prevent CTS

You can do everything right and still get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; however, there are a few simple preventive measures you can take now:

• Getup and stretch often. Spend at least ten minutes each hour not typing. You may need to use a timer to remind you to getup and move around.
• Warm up your hands before you start working for the day -- you wouldn't consider jogging for eight hours without warming up your legs, would you?
• Do daily exercises to strengthen your wrists and hands. Anything that will strengthen your hands or forearms will help -- swimming, a pottery course, or exercises for your forearms or hands.
• Buy a keyboard shelf, or try placing the keyboard on your knees and propping your feet up a little to lessen the strain on your forearms
• Place a brace or pillow in front of your keyboard to support your wrists.
• Vary the position of your keyboard. Move it half an inch to the right, left, up or down. Your wrists are still strained, but the repetitive nature is lessened.
• Use a Kensington track ball (turbo mouse). Operate it with a relaxed fist for less strain on your wrists.
• Once you develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, always have a tendency toward it -- take these precautions now, before symptoms develop.