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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Yoga
         
Provided by Rich Chapelle, Certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor
    
        
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a well-known Repetitive Stress Injury of the hand.
      
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)? 
As shown, the Carpal Tunnel (pink area) is made up of several bones (white) connected by ligaments. The largest of which is the Transverse Carpal Ligament (blue). These structures form the perimeter of a passage through it's center called the carpal tunnel (also called the carpal
canal). Through this tunnel run nerves, tendons, blood and other soft tissues. For a variety of reasons some of these soft tissues swell, especially the tendons (red) and the protective sheaths that cover them. Overuse (RSI), injury, friction, fractures, fluid retention, forceful movements and infection are a few of the more common causes. However, unlike most of your body where swelling simply protrudes, this swelling has no place 
to expand since it is encircled by bones and ligaments. Consequently, because the swelling is contained, pressure builds in the tunnel. This pressure (also called compression) then crushes the main nerve to your hand called the Median Nerve (yellow), causing it not to function properly. The pressure also obstructs blood flow which retards healing and causes further cell degeneration. 

The usual symptoms of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome are: Fatigue, Pain, Weakness, Loss of Dexterity, Stiffness, Cramping, Numbness, Cold, Burning or Tingling. These symptoms also strike while resting. Frequently the pain is located in the Thenar muscle, at the base of the thumb. In very advanced cases this muscle may atrophy and become useless as it is deprived of stimulation by pressure on the Median Nerve.
      
Who is at risk for developing Carpel Tunnel Syndrome?
Those at risk include: 
  • accountants
  • artists
  • assembly-line workers
  • athletes
  • bank tellers
  • bricklayers
  • CAD and graphic designers
  • carpenters
  • checkout clerks
  • computer users
  • construction workers
  • crafts enthusiasts
  • crocheters
  • data entry clerks
  • draftsmen
  • drivers
  • gardeners
  • garment workers
  • golfers
  • knitters
  • meat and poultry processors
  • musicians
  • needlepoint hobbyists
  • painters
  • programmers
  • secretaries
  • silk screeners
  • sportsmen
  • stock clerks
  • transcribers 
  • warehouse workers
  • writers
and anyone else who uses their hands continually or forcefully. In addition, pregnant women and certain other conditions, have a higher risk due to fluid retention.
      
Do you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
A common test for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is Phalen's Maneuver.
Lift your elbows and forearms to approximately shoulder height, forearms are parallel to the floor. Put the backs of your hands together while keeping your arms parallel to the floor and your fingers pointing down. Hold your hands together firmly. If within a minute, you experience one, or a combination, of the symptoms, you probably have the disorder. Don't hold this position for more than the required minute.
          
How can Yoga help reduce the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
      
More on Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI)

 

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Last Updated: October 19, 2002