The carpal tunnel is an inch-thick channel in the wrist, which encases the median nerve and the tendons responsible for controlling your fingers and thumb. Each side of the tunnel is made of carpal bones. If the tunnel thins or the tendons are inflamed, they’ll compress the median nerve, causing pain, tingling, or numbness in the hand. Unfortunately, many jobs contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Which Professions Increase My Risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

1. Assembly Line Worker

The inflammation of the tendons in the wrist and forearm is caused by consistent, repetitive motions of the hands and fingers. When an assembly line worker is given a role, they may complete the same hand and arm motions for hours. To prevent the condition, use a stool or chair to bring your hands to a comfortable working level, reducing the strain from reaching or pulling.

2. Hair Stylist

Most of your body remains stationary while you trim your client’s hair with one hand and comb their locks with the other, putting a strain on your wrists. Unfortunately, carpal tunnel can result in weakness in the hands and falter your grip, increasing the risk of injury when using heated tools and sharp shears. To prevent carpal tunnel, adjust the height of your client’s chair throughout the appointment to work at a more comfortable level.

3. Cashier

Whether you’re using a conventional cash register or a touchscreen tablet with a credit card reader, you continuously repeat the same hand motions throughout their shift. This repetitive motion can trigger carpal tunnel syndrome, making it painful to punch codes into the POS system. If you feel tingling in your hands, wear a wrist brace to keep your hands aligned with your arms, putting less pressure on the area.

If you’re experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, contact the team at StayFIT Physical Therapy on Oahu, HI. These professionals use physical therapy to help patients minimize inflammation and nerve pain in their problem areas. Since all appointments are one-on-one with a therapist, you’ll receive attentive care and a personalized treatment to help you heal. View their full list of services online, or read the latest customer reviews on Yelp. Call (808) 487-0487 to schedule an appointment at their Aiea office, or dial (808) 674-0500 to speak with a specialist from their Kapolei location.