I work in IT. I had carpal tunnel syndrome and now I’m fine. What happened?
Before I get into explanations about symptoms, definitions, “what is carpal tunnel syndrome” stuff, let me tell you a story. I’m sure, if you are reading this page, you already know what carpal tunnel syndrome is.
So, it all started in 2001, when I came into US with H1B visa. I was very healthy (yes, no extra pounds, perfect eye sight, perfect physical form and things like that) and I was willing to work hell out of me to achieve something. First year I was working from 9 am to 6 pm at work and from 8 pm to 1 am at home (doing some development and research for work).
2001, 2002 and 2003 were not exactly good years for US economy and for IT especially. So, there were lots of layoffs around. I was the only contractor left, despite the order from upper management to get rid of all contractors. There was a reason they kept me: who else was gonna do things so fast and efficient they desperately needed?
My average hours per week for three years in a raw were aboutВ 50 at work (officially, as per timesheet), however, it was anywhere between 50 and 60. Besides, I had a dream of my own company, which I was working on evenings and nights. No sports, no practice, no exersices - no time for that. Because of my previous years of good experience with sports I was thinking, “nothing can get me”. Well, it did.
So, what had I got back in 2004? I got carpal tunnel syndrome, I got extra 20 kilos (aboutВ 44 pounds), I got enourmous stress level. And, of course, I kept my job. How bad was my carpal tunnel syndrome? It was so bad, I couldn’t sleep at some nights because of pain.
What do I have now? I lost about 14 kilos, I recovered from carpal syndrome, I created my own health recovery system which I’m willing to share.
В
3 comments ↓
I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel at 21 years old..quite a young age, but I was very active with my hands and wrists. Constantly on the computer, drumming, guitar, and lifting heavily, which I mainly attribute the pain to. I quit lifting, and it doesn’t appear to be as significant. It doesn’t bother me with guitar, or too much on the computer. I used to have my hands fall asleep quite frequently, as well as wake up in terrible pain, with pins and needles shooting down my arms. Fortunately, that doesn’t occur anymore, and I have just recently began working out again. This time, I plan on taking it very lightly, and being weary of any slight pains, as surgery is an option I do not want to have to take.
It happens whenever I played games at a stretch, but it’s some ache that goes away by itself after a day or two.
I wonder if this is the kinda stuff that keeps on accumulating each day.. did you heal through certain hand exercises or mainly by avoiding long stretches at the comp?
On another note, I’m quite skeptical of those ergonomic keyboards.. are they worth the price?
Josh, yes, it keeps on accumulating each day… There are no keyboards, which can prevent it for sure.
I had ergonomic mouse (actually pretty good one), but, after 6-8 hours working with Photoshop it does not matter how ergonomic the mouse is… or, if typing takes 9-10 hours per day…
What really helped is combination of rest and relaxation with regular exercises. Next part of the article will have them.
You must log in to post a comment.