Computers and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Studied. pioneer writes "An article on MSNBC.com reports that a Danish study has found that computer use is not a significant risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome. ... [Slashdot]
Very interesting and what a relief. However, I have had problems with Guyon's Syndrome. It's related to Carpal Tunnel, but it comes from compression of a different nerve that passes through Guyon's canal in the wrist.
When I spoke to an orthopedic surgeon about it, he said that it could be related to my computer use because I rest my elbows on the desk or arms of a chair. He said that I may be compressing the nerve that passes through Guyon's canal at the elbow. He said I should find a more ergonomic seating and typing posture and limit the number of hours per day I'm on the computer. (Don't go home at night and get on the computer after being on it at work all day.)
I found that he was right - it was from compressing the nerve at the elbow. I bought some gel pads and stuck them under my elbows at work. After a few weeks, the symptoms I was feeling started to diminish. Now I use the pads all the time, and only seem to have problems after very intense periods of work.
I've talked to people about it and met someone else who had the same problem. He told me that he modified his posture and habits so that he doesn't ever rest on his elbows. Even when he's driving, he doesn't rest his elbows on the arm rests.
If you have Guyon's syndrome symptoms, and you don't think you can adequately modify your habits and posture, I highly recommend trying to add gel pads to your workspace.
11:06:24 AM 
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