Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
is a complex condition characterized by symptoms such as numbness,
burning, pain, tingling, or paralysis in the hands, wrists, and/or
forearms.
Initially the symptoms
of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are relatively mild, and sufferers often
report a strange sensation such as "crawling" or "tingling," especially
at night. Aches and pains often cause night-time awakening and fatigue
during the day.
As the condition worsens
the symptoms become more intense and severe. If relief is not obtained
one can have irreversible injury marked by atrophy of muscles in the
hand and forearm, as well as a significant alteration of sensation.
Severe cases can result in paralysis of the hands or arms.
Medical intervention
after symptoms have appeared may include the use of anti-inflammatory
drugs, wrist braces, and, if necessary, surgery.
What Causes CTS? 
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can
be caused by anything that causes swelling, thickening or irritation of
the synovial membranes covering the tendons in the carpal tunnel.
Some common causes are
repetitive and forceful grasping with the hands; repetitive bending of
the wrist; broken or dislocated bones in the wrist; arthritis,
especially of the rheumatoid type.
A growing number of
cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome related to constant typing at a computer
keyboard are now being reported.
What is the Carpal Tunnel?
The carpal tunnel is a
space in the wrist through which pass nine tendons plus the median nerve
– necessary for movement of the hand and arm.
The bottom and sides of
this tunnel are formed by wrist bones, and the top is formed by a
ligament called the flexor retinaculum. The tendons are covered with a
lubricating membrane called synovium.
Under certain
circumstances the tendons and synovium may enlarge and swell. This
swelling can in turn cause the median nerve to become compressed.
Compression of the median nerve may result in numbness, tingling in the
hand, clumsiness or pain.
If the irritation and
swelling continue symptoms may become more serious, eventually leading,
in the worst cases, to paralysis of the hands and forearms.
An Escalating Problem
To better understand the
seriousness of RSI, RMS (Repetitive Movement Syndrome), MSD
(Musculo-Skeletal Disorder), OOS (Occupational Overuse Syndrome), and
CTS, consider the fact that between 1980 and 1990 the number of RSI
cases jumped from 23,000 to 185,400. By 2000, this number had increased
ten-fold, representing well over 25% of all work-related illnesses.
According to OSHA
(Occupational Safety and Health Administration), more than two million
U.S. workers suffer each year from musculoskeltal injuries at work, with
one third of the cases being serious enough to require time off. The
agency says female workers suffer disproportionately, accounting for
seventy percent of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome cases, and 62% of the
tendinitis cases. More and more professional men, such as architects,
are complaining of the condition, due to regular use of the computer
mouse.
At this time, RSI, RMS
and CTS are the #1 cause of sick leave in the United States.
Thousands of hours are wasted by enforced rest periods. Millions
of dollars are lost to employers as keyboard operators sue for damage
due to the problems in their wrists and hands.
Prevention is the Answer to RSI
Alan Kogosowski brings an
experienced concert pianist's understanding of the movements of the
hand, wrist and arm to the practical needs of today's computer user in
both home and business contexts. His expert analysis includes
considerations of posture, as well as relaxation of the body through
avoidance of unnecessary and uncomfortable movements.
A Well-Known Danger
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has long
been the major enemy of concert pianists. It has also afflicted
violinists as well as many in other professions closely associated with
constant and repetitive use of the hands. A significant number of
leading concert pianists in the US have become for all practical
purposes paralyzed in one arm – most often the right – through the
escalating effects of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
A Special Prevention
Like all virtuosos, Alan Kogosowski has practised six to eight
hours a day throughout his life. His highly specialized European
training has ensured that the problems of RSI and CTS never occur.
Moreover, through the
correct use of the hands, never forcing or straining any physical
element in the process of negotiating the keyboard, he has found that it
is possible to achieve an unusual level of relaxation.
The principles applied
by Kogosowski in the playing the piano keyboard are applicable to the
unforced manipulation of the computer keyboard. Kogosowski can show how
to work at any keyboard without strain, and how to recognize the warning
signs of RSI and CTS. Vigilance is important, for once the symptoms
begin and go unchecked, the long term damage can be irreversible.
Kogosowski explains and
demonstrates how to work at the keyboard without incurring any strain,
how to know the warning signs and how to stop the problems of RSI and
CTS from developing.
