OKAY, so the official diagnosis of \”Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\” is not caused by computer use, but RSI is. Most people refer to the RSI symptoms of the hands & wrist as carpal tunnel, whether it actually is or not. And they are caused/exacerbated by computer use. I spent 15 years of my life as a mainframe techie before moving to a pc and never had any problems untill I began to use that pain-inducer –> the mouse.
So the correct headline should have read \”Carpal Tunnel Syndrome should not be considered an RSI\”.
Actually, the headline is correct. The diagnosis and treatments have been incorrect, according to this report. Surgeons make a lot of money performing carpal tunnel release surgeries when symptoms could have resolved with either correct ergonomics, or correct therapy. We see this on a daily basis and only those who truly have median nerve compression (severe) have positive results from the surgery. A lot of people are made worse. A lot of women have this condition (CTS) due to being overweight, hormones, smoking, ect… Sometimes things just happen to people, but it is human nature to try to blame someone or something instead of themselves.
Makes me wonder how many of the persons involved in the research and report have or had carpal tunnel. My bet would be 0.
Until I started using a laptop computer, I did not have any problems with my wrists or hands, even after 10 1/2 years of working in a factory doing very repetitive type work that would surely have led to RSI (based on the report). I tried the physical therapy, anti inflamatory medication, you name it. Until I had surgery on both hands almost 9 years ago, I was in agony and did not sleep more than an hour at a time because the pain woke me up. More importantly, I have had no problem since having the surgery for carpal tunnel.
See it everyday, actually. Then, obviously, you had true Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or median nerve compression which was relieved by surgery. You are not the majority. I don\’t know your situation. Obviously, you still use the computer, so if CTS is caused by computer use, why have you not have any other problems. Sometimes you just never know…. I am very glad that you have not had any other problems. Once case does not prove anything and I am sure that Harvard is fairly thorough with their research.
I have spent over 30 years working in occupational health. For many of these jobs, I worked with large populations that had high repetative wrist duties. Why is it that only a small percentage get these problems? Why is it that people who use predominanently one hand get bilateral carpal tunnel?
I have had both of my wrists operated on for carpal tunnel. Neith of these was caused by typing. Both of my siblings and my father have had carpal tunnel that was surgically treated and has never come back (if the diagnosis is truly Carpal Tunnel and the surgery is done correctly, there should not be anything that would cause a reoccurance.)
Issue I have is we forget that 50 years ago we had a good list of risk factors for carpal tunnel (predominantly female, over forty, over weight, or with medical issues such as thyroid or diabetes disease.
Today, we don\’t look at these, we look at if the person types.
Wow!! While they may be saying the computer doesn\’t cause CTS but the way you hold your hand & wrist does contribute.
Just had CT surgery & trigger finger release on middle finger of left hand 5 weeks ago caused by contact stress from using mouse with roller ball & computer.
Have been told need surgery on right hand as well.
I agree with the last comment. Sounds like study done on behalf of computer mfgs.
Even though the specialist I went to said that I have CT in my right wrist, he said that surgery may not alleve my problems. I also suffer from tendinitis in that same wrist/forearm. I have been through PT twice now and found that I can manage the pain myself with a wrist brace, proper posture, ice & ibuprofen.
Sounds like it\’s tailor made for the computer makers who\’ve been hammered by CTS suits, and wrongly so, I believe, but might have some repercussions for comp claimants. In my experience about half of early-onset complaints are easily resolved just by adjusting keyboard angles. Most people need a board that slopes slightly down in back and most people have just the opposite configuration. The prevalence of badly designed, misused equipment is part of the problem. I don\’t recommend adjustable, under-the-desktop keyboard trays, which instead of eliminating CTS, have prolonged it due to their many shortcomings. Keyboard trays are to workstations as window air conditioners are to homes, a compromise add-on that does a so-so job overall. People think that they won\’t have problems if all their desks have them, which keeps them from looking for the better alternatives. A better widespread solution would have prevented more cases.
Seems to me like everyone of you continue to use the computer which usually involves a mouse. Most people do not use bilateral twin mouses. What did you all do screw up one wrist with a mouse, then switch, so now surgery is going to fix everything? Ridiculous. If you did sqats constantly all day, your muscles would be very sore, that does not mean you an issue with your nerve or a work-related injury. IT is the same concept. Like I said some people are more prone to actually nerve entrapment, but most claims are total crap.
I recently learned some states have determined that CT is not a job related injury and has taken it out of the WC arena. I wonder how many less surgeries they have now. I wish our legislators would follow suit. When this diagnosis first came out, we were told this was one of those \”sure\” things to diagnose and there wouldn\’t be any question about whether it was CT or not. Now, I see surgery even when EMG and nerve conduction studies are negative.
Thank you compnurse. I have been denying all CTS claims for the past 5 yrs for typists based on the Mayo study. I have not had one person fight me on it yet. I do accept CTS claims for auto mechanics and such because of the torquing and twisting of screw drivers. Once I had a woman claim bilateral carpal tunnel from writing all day. She only wrote with her right hand, and could not explain how that would give her CTS in her left hand, but insisted it was all work-related. Compnurse, what state are you in?
What a crock, I had carpal tunnel and when I stopped using the computer so much the injury went away until I returned to using it. The hand that uses the mouse gets usually gets hurt first. It is absolutely a repetitive injury cause by scanning or a computer. Harvard grads go back and re-think this. Your study is 100% off course. I tried all the medicines that help the injury, the only thing that works is to stop doing the repetitive motion.
Think about what you just wrote. Repetitive stress injury. That is not carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is median nerve compression- it only affects the thumb, index and possible the middle finger- that\’s it. There are more people at risk- genetics, hormones, pregnancy, obesity and smoking to name a few. Your entry really supports the Harvard Study…………
For most people (other than WC adjusters)
CTS = RSI. To us uniformed, the headline screams that suddenly our pain is now invalid. A better headline for those of that are not experts in the field would be what I suggested. CTS is not an RSI. The RSI symptoms we have from repeated keyboard/mouse use are real. But they are not necessarily CTS. I in fact suffer from both, but the RSI is much more painful that the CTS, and both can be alleviated with proper posture/stretching & anti-inflammatories.
I have read your posts and I am very confused, Mr. \”RSI sufferer\”. How would you know that RSI is more painful than CTS. Nerve compression is one of the most painful conditions that there is. It is not fair for you to invalidate the pain of all of the people who have true nerve compression no matter if it is the median nerve or their back, foot, or anywhere else in their body. I type probably 80% of the time and use a mouse. I also have a desk that does not fit me, a desk tray, which ergo man said is not good and went out and bought my own mouse with a ball due to pain occassionally. I even bought my own office chair. I don\’t have RSI or CTS. Of course, sometimes with improper posture or stress you feel pain- that is life and that is with any job.
I have been diagnosed with both RSI & CTS. I have had the EMG?? that shows I have nerve problems indicating the CTS. TO ME, the RSI (tendonitis in my elbow & wrist) is more painful. Yes, my fingers fall asleep occassionally, particularly at night. But I have found that maintaining proper posture and stretches I learned in physical therapy help alleviate the symptoms of CTS I suffer. Nothing seems to help the tendonitis in the back of my hand/wrist/forearm/elbow. Neither stretches/ice/drugs seem to make much difference. If it gets really bad, I will wear a compression type brace that I think was made for tennis elbow. It seems to help a little in stopping the ache.
Good one, John. You are obviously a work comp claimant. If injured workers really cared about their health and well-being, they would try to find the root and cause of their illness/problem/pain. Not listen to doctors/surgeons who make millions by just diagnosing \”carpal tunnel syndrome\” and performing unnecessary surgeries that don\’t help people anyway. Anyone can find someone to diagnose them with pretty much anything they want to and unfortunately, you can find a butcher who will perform pretty much any surgery. Your life is at stake anytime you have surgery. If there are other alternatives, it is much better than surgery. I do work in the work comp field and am very proud to say that I feel I help claimants everyday. Most people who have claims don\’t seem to be \”professional claimants\”. It is those people who see results and ask for the help they are entitled to rather than make rude comments about every insurance carrier. It is so wrong to just assume that the doctor is good and the insurance carrier is bad. It is simply not true. We want to pay for what we owe, but we also feel we do not need to just give the doctor \”free reign\” to cut on individuals who may not be as educated on us and have too much trust in their physician. There are a lot of reputable doctors/surgeons and maybe even chiropractors; however, there are many who don\’t care about the claimant, they only care about the all mighty dollar. All I can say is, it is your body and at the end of the day, the only one who is going to care about you is you, unless you are lucky enough to find a nurse or someone who will look out for you. If you ever worked in the field, you would be amazed at all of the crooked healthcare providers we see. I really feel that you do not know what you are talking about, John. You must either have a non-reputable insurance carrier, doctor or you are just in the \”disabled mindset\”. A lot of healthcare workers want to keep people thinking they are disabled, because that keeps money in their pockets. It doesn\’t put money in their patient\’s pockets. Think about it. Why is it that everyone thinks cts is caused by computer use at work, but not at home- hmmmmmmm?
I suppose if one can find a doc to provide a desired diagnosis, one can also find someone to create a study to support a specific position. How does the study explain the development of cts in a person who works in repetitive stress job i.e. factory/assembly line/manufacturing with no other health risk factors ? Good luck to those w.c. examiners who try to use this to deny claims. I know it won\’t fly in ILL. or MO. Plus, it will be impossible to reverse the 10-15yr old mindset that cts is caused by repetitive stress.
This comment is for Fannie T. Perhaps you missed the entire article. The study was performed to determine whether or not cts is caused by computer use not a repetitive factory job. The reason cts is covered in almost every state for factory workers who use drills/vibrating equipment is because the job can cause or expedite the development of cts in some people in some positions. If you have risk factors or your anatomy is such (narrowed carpal tunnel)it could allow the job duties to exacerbate or expedite/cause in some cases, your condition. I haven\’t heard of a case where we have denied cts in those who have repetitive factory jobs and use vibratory equipment, unless there are preexisting conditions/drug use, ect… I think you missed the whole point of the study and everyone\’s conversation here, Fannie T. Insurance companies are governed strictly by the states and cannot just deny a claim for no reason or even due to one study. You obviously, do not work in the field. Most of the posts here are not fair to most insurance companies. I happen to work for one where we do pay what we owe, but we also watch out for those who try to blame every condition they have on their job. Everyone will develop conditions with time- Everyone.
The other thing I wonder about the study is whether paid any attention to the posture of the computer users. I found that the major cause of my CTS & RSI problems was due to incorrect posture while using the computer, not computer use itself. If I had been using correct posture all along, I am not sure I would have had any problems.
Injured by CTS should look at the big picture. To link the cause of CTS with computer use is akin to sticking a needle into a cavity to cause pain and blaming the needle for the cavity. As for John who wonders what Insurance Company paid for the study, he should think about what his life would be like with no Insurance companies.
Seems most people like to hate Insurance Companies, even when they’re in an auto accident, hurt at work or loose there home to fire as they worry that they may have to pay a little more for coverage. They never appreciate the fact that their car is fixed, medical bills covered, or they are paid indemnity when they can’t work. Ask these people if they’re willing to extend coverage for any common liability situation that Insurance Companies cover, for a typical policy premium amount, and they think you’re crazy.
Here in New York, I’ve written my State Representative suggesting we change the name of New York State Workers Compensation Board to New York State Providers Compensation and Old Age Benefits Board and if you sit at my desk for any length of time, you’ll see why.
I comment on the behalf of my mother, whom no longer can work, type, cook, housework, drive, repetitive motions, grip, lift, pull or push because of B-Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for the last 7 years.
For five years my mother was a date entry operator for the United States Postal Service when she was diagnosed with B Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. As well she lost her job.
My mother never had any problem with her hands,wrist, weight, or neck before she was diagnosed with CTS. As well her family never had a history of CTS.
After my mother had her first surgery she had release from pain, numbness, and tingles. She was order to go back to work by her doctor. Advised by her doctor that she would still type.
She regain employment at another company in which she was a customer service rep. Months after she begain her employment as a typist all of her syptoms that she experienced before with her CTS. They came back again…This time worst.
Keep in mind..My mother has never done any hard labor job in her life. Has never lifted over 10lbs at the most of any of her jobs.
Again my mother stay out of work more than she stayed at work.She finally had her second surgery. This time the surgery didn\’t work. It was too late. My mother now is disabled. She bearly has strength in either one of her hands. Has pain in hands and wrist all the time. Still has numbness and tingling. As well has neck pain..
Explain this, the only job my mother has done consecutively is type…I don\’t believe the report is correct. Because my mother is a sound example…This is a another example of big business..
I was operated on both hands for CTS around 20 years ago. The results were spectacular. I made a complete recovery. I have recommended the surgery to my mother and to a neighbor. They both had bothe of their hands done and were completely relieved.
My symptoms came back around a year ago in both hands. I was given cortisone shots and was almost completely relieved of my pain. That only lasted for about 5 weeks. My left habd only has some numbness in the tips of my thumb, index and middle fingers, but my right hand and arm usually wake me up at least once a night. My right hand goes almost completely numb when I\’m on the computer.
I saw my neurologist today. She was unable to tell me why CTS can reoccur and if surgery will help this time. She gave me another shot in the right hand only and said that she\’d like to send me to a hand surgeon next time.
I cannot wear the hand brace; it\’s too uncomfortable and I feel, does nothing.
I really don\’t want surgery and found that physical therapy did nothing for me 20 years ago.
Apparently, Jack, you are a healthcare provider of some sort. There are many physicians who work for the insurance carriers as well. Not all people who wokr for insurance carriers are bad people. I am a nurse and patient advocate no matter who signs my paycheck. I would never compromise my beliefs or a person\’s health just to save the insurance company money. But, not all carriers are bad. Not all carriers provide coverage for group health, which would include OB/GYN. That is crazy and sad about the salary of a OB/GYN. I can say that as a nurse, I definitely did not get rich in the insurance field. I know a lot of people who have been permanently disabled merely because their doctors were greedy for the almighty dollar. I am sorry, but 4-6 surgeries, sometimes more for the same injured body part, is too much. It leads to immobility and more complications. I would not recommend anyone go to a physician who could not fix something like a torn ACL within 1 or 2 surgeries at most. I have seen people lose total use of their hands due to repeated surgeries from the same doc or a combination of doctors. It is a shame, but there is corruption in the medical industry both with doctors and with insurance executives. I am not a huge insurance fan by no means. I just wanted to add a different point of view to the topic. I only hope that people stick to reputable doctors and not those who advertise during the day that they will \”treat your injuries, give you free lawyer referrals, provide transportation and stuff like that.\”
Clearly those of us who are responding here are not \”professional\” claimants. However since these conditions are cumalative it would take years to see what injures a person with computer use. Those of us who have treated CTS patient aka RSI know one thing, that computer use anywhere, not just at work can cause CTS, or RSI. Who pays the bill is not my concern. But there are few doctors making \”millions\” in this broken Insurance system anyway, and if you work in the Insurance industry you already know that. While doctors fees sit at all time lows, the big Insurance Industry is rocking with all time high stock prices. Did you knoew that an OBGYN made more money delivering 20 years ago? How owuld you like to roll back your salary 20 years hot shot. Since no man is an Island this will come back to haunt us. The best minds are not going into medicine any more, and eventually even the best insurance executives will need us too.
I have been a medical transcriptionist for 13+ years; not having any other outside jobs that may have injured my wrists. I find it funny how more women than men have carpal tunnel, but that it is not computer related. Studies show that more women then men have office jobs.
Also, in my diagnosis, diagnoses were made that cold, arthritis, thyroid and pregnancy were attributable to carpel tunnel. I had blood tests done by the physician who does not believe carpal tunnel is caused by computers and in fact is related to above mentioned blood work positivities. I had the blood work done and do not have arthritis, thyroid problems nor am not pregnant. I worked with people in the south, so if cold related, how come people down south have carpel tunnel. I dispute this theory and have document to prove so.
OKAY, so the official diagnosis of \”Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\” is not caused by computer use, but RSI is. Most people refer to the RSI symptoms of the hands & wrist as carpal tunnel, whether it actually is or not. And they are caused/exacerbated by computer use. I spent 15 years of my life as a mainframe techie before moving to a pc and never had any problems untill I began to use that pain-inducer –> the mouse.
So the correct headline should have read \”Carpal Tunnel Syndrome should not be considered an RSI\”.
Actually, the headline is correct. The diagnosis and treatments have been incorrect, according to this report. Surgeons make a lot of money performing carpal tunnel release surgeries when symptoms could have resolved with either correct ergonomics, or correct therapy. We see this on a daily basis and only those who truly have median nerve compression (severe) have positive results from the surgery. A lot of people are made worse. A lot of women have this condition (CTS) due to being overweight, hormones, smoking, ect… Sometimes things just happen to people, but it is human nature to try to blame someone or something instead of themselves.
Makes me wonder how many of the persons involved in the research and report have or had carpal tunnel. My bet would be 0.
Until I started using a laptop computer, I did not have any problems with my wrists or hands, even after 10 1/2 years of working in a factory doing very repetitive type work that would surely have led to RSI (based on the report). I tried the physical therapy, anti inflamatory medication, you name it. Until I had surgery on both hands almost 9 years ago, I was in agony and did not sleep more than an hour at a time because the pain woke me up. More importantly, I have had no problem since having the surgery for carpal tunnel.
See it everyday, actually. Then, obviously, you had true Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or median nerve compression which was relieved by surgery. You are not the majority. I don\’t know your situation. Obviously, you still use the computer, so if CTS is caused by computer use, why have you not have any other problems. Sometimes you just never know…. I am very glad that you have not had any other problems. Once case does not prove anything and I am sure that Harvard is fairly thorough with their research.
I have spent over 30 years working in occupational health. For many of these jobs, I worked with large populations that had high repetative wrist duties. Why is it that only a small percentage get these problems? Why is it that people who use predominanently one hand get bilateral carpal tunnel?
I have had both of my wrists operated on for carpal tunnel. Neith of these was caused by typing. Both of my siblings and my father have had carpal tunnel that was surgically treated and has never come back (if the diagnosis is truly Carpal Tunnel and the surgery is done correctly, there should not be anything that would cause a reoccurance.)
Issue I have is we forget that 50 years ago we had a good list of risk factors for carpal tunnel (predominantly female, over forty, over weight, or with medical issues such as thyroid or diabetes disease.
Today, we don\’t look at these, we look at if the person types.
Any bets the study was funded by the computer manufacturers???
Wow!! While they may be saying the computer doesn\’t cause CTS but the way you hold your hand & wrist does contribute.
Just had CT surgery & trigger finger release on middle finger of left hand 5 weeks ago caused by contact stress from using mouse with roller ball & computer.
Have been told need surgery on right hand as well.
I agree with the last comment. Sounds like study done on behalf of computer mfgs.
Even though the specialist I went to said that I have CT in my right wrist, he said that surgery may not alleve my problems. I also suffer from tendinitis in that same wrist/forearm. I have been through PT twice now and found that I can manage the pain myself with a wrist brace, proper posture, ice & ibuprofen.
Sounds like it\’s tailor made for the computer makers who\’ve been hammered by CTS suits, and wrongly so, I believe, but might have some repercussions for comp claimants. In my experience about half of early-onset complaints are easily resolved just by adjusting keyboard angles. Most people need a board that slopes slightly down in back and most people have just the opposite configuration. The prevalence of badly designed, misused equipment is part of the problem. I don\’t recommend adjustable, under-the-desktop keyboard trays, which instead of eliminating CTS, have prolonged it due to their many shortcomings. Keyboard trays are to workstations as window air conditioners are to homes, a compromise add-on that does a so-so job overall. People think that they won\’t have problems if all their desks have them, which keeps them from looking for the better alternatives. A better widespread solution would have prevented more cases.
Seems to me like everyone of you continue to use the computer which usually involves a mouse. Most people do not use bilateral twin mouses. What did you all do screw up one wrist with a mouse, then switch, so now surgery is going to fix everything? Ridiculous. If you did sqats constantly all day, your muscles would be very sore, that does not mean you an issue with your nerve or a work-related injury. IT is the same concept. Like I said some people are more prone to actually nerve entrapment, but most claims are total crap.
I recently learned some states have determined that CT is not a job related injury and has taken it out of the WC arena. I wonder how many less surgeries they have now. I wish our legislators would follow suit. When this diagnosis first came out, we were told this was one of those \”sure\” things to diagnose and there wouldn\’t be any question about whether it was CT or not. Now, I see surgery even when EMG and nerve conduction studies are negative.
Thank you compnurse. I have been denying all CTS claims for the past 5 yrs for typists based on the Mayo study. I have not had one person fight me on it yet. I do accept CTS claims for auto mechanics and such because of the torquing and twisting of screw drivers. Once I had a woman claim bilateral carpal tunnel from writing all day. She only wrote with her right hand, and could not explain how that would give her CTS in her left hand, but insisted it was all work-related. Compnurse, what state are you in?
I am in Texas. WC needs a lot of adjusting here! What state are you in?
What a crock, I had carpal tunnel and when I stopped using the computer so much the injury went away until I returned to using it. The hand that uses the mouse gets usually gets hurt first. It is absolutely a repetitive injury cause by scanning or a computer. Harvard grads go back and re-think this. Your study is 100% off course. I tried all the medicines that help the injury, the only thing that works is to stop doing the repetitive motion.
Think about what you just wrote. Repetitive stress injury. That is not carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is median nerve compression- it only affects the thumb, index and possible the middle finger- that\’s it. There are more people at risk- genetics, hormones, pregnancy, obesity and smoking to name a few. Your entry really supports the Harvard Study…………
Hence my original post:
For most people (other than WC adjusters)
CTS = RSI. To us uniformed, the headline screams that suddenly our pain is now invalid. A better headline for those of that are not experts in the field would be what I suggested. CTS is not an RSI. The RSI symptoms we have from repeated keyboard/mouse use are real. But they are not necessarily CTS. I in fact suffer from both, but the RSI is much more painful that the CTS, and both can be alleviated with proper posture/stretching & anti-inflammatories.
I have read your posts and I am very confused, Mr. \”RSI sufferer\”. How would you know that RSI is more painful than CTS. Nerve compression is one of the most painful conditions that there is. It is not fair for you to invalidate the pain of all of the people who have true nerve compression no matter if it is the median nerve or their back, foot, or anywhere else in their body. I type probably 80% of the time and use a mouse. I also have a desk that does not fit me, a desk tray, which ergo man said is not good and went out and bought my own mouse with a ball due to pain occassionally. I even bought my own office chair. I don\’t have RSI or CTS. Of course, sometimes with improper posture or stress you feel pain- that is life and that is with any job.
I may have not been clear on my point.
I have been diagnosed with both RSI & CTS. I have had the EMG?? that shows I have nerve problems indicating the CTS. TO ME, the RSI (tendonitis in my elbow & wrist) is more painful. Yes, my fingers fall asleep occassionally, particularly at night. But I have found that maintaining proper posture and stretches I learned in physical therapy help alleviate the symptoms of CTS I suffer. Nothing seems to help the tendonitis in the back of my hand/wrist/forearm/elbow. Neither stretches/ice/drugs seem to make much difference. If it gets really bad, I will wear a compression type brace that I think was made for tennis elbow. It seems to help a little in stopping the ache.
What workers\’ comp insurer paid for this so called study?
Good one, John. You are obviously a work comp claimant. If injured workers really cared about their health and well-being, they would try to find the root and cause of their illness/problem/pain. Not listen to doctors/surgeons who make millions by just diagnosing \”carpal tunnel syndrome\” and performing unnecessary surgeries that don\’t help people anyway. Anyone can find someone to diagnose them with pretty much anything they want to and unfortunately, you can find a butcher who will perform pretty much any surgery. Your life is at stake anytime you have surgery. If there are other alternatives, it is much better than surgery. I do work in the work comp field and am very proud to say that I feel I help claimants everyday. Most people who have claims don\’t seem to be \”professional claimants\”. It is those people who see results and ask for the help they are entitled to rather than make rude comments about every insurance carrier. It is so wrong to just assume that the doctor is good and the insurance carrier is bad. It is simply not true. We want to pay for what we owe, but we also feel we do not need to just give the doctor \”free reign\” to cut on individuals who may not be as educated on us and have too much trust in their physician. There are a lot of reputable doctors/surgeons and maybe even chiropractors; however, there are many who don\’t care about the claimant, they only care about the all mighty dollar. All I can say is, it is your body and at the end of the day, the only one who is going to care about you is you, unless you are lucky enough to find a nurse or someone who will look out for you. If you ever worked in the field, you would be amazed at all of the crooked healthcare providers we see. I really feel that you do not know what you are talking about, John. You must either have a non-reputable insurance carrier, doctor or you are just in the \”disabled mindset\”. A lot of healthcare workers want to keep people thinking they are disabled, because that keeps money in their pockets. It doesn\’t put money in their patient\’s pockets. Think about it. Why is it that everyone thinks cts is caused by computer use at work, but not at home- hmmmmmmm?
I suppose if one can find a doc to provide a desired diagnosis, one can also find someone to create a study to support a specific position. How does the study explain the development of cts in a person who works in repetitive stress job i.e. factory/assembly line/manufacturing with no other health risk factors ? Good luck to those w.c. examiners who try to use this to deny claims. I know it won\’t fly in ILL. or MO. Plus, it will be impossible to reverse the 10-15yr old mindset that cts is caused by repetitive stress.
This comment is for Fannie T. Perhaps you missed the entire article. The study was performed to determine whether or not cts is caused by computer use not a repetitive factory job. The reason cts is covered in almost every state for factory workers who use drills/vibrating equipment is because the job can cause or expedite the development of cts in some people in some positions. If you have risk factors or your anatomy is such (narrowed carpal tunnel)it could allow the job duties to exacerbate or expedite/cause in some cases, your condition. I haven\’t heard of a case where we have denied cts in those who have repetitive factory jobs and use vibratory equipment, unless there are preexisting conditions/drug use, ect… I think you missed the whole point of the study and everyone\’s conversation here, Fannie T. Insurance companies are governed strictly by the states and cannot just deny a claim for no reason or even due to one study. You obviously, do not work in the field. Most of the posts here are not fair to most insurance companies. I happen to work for one where we do pay what we owe, but we also watch out for those who try to blame every condition they have on their job. Everyone will develop conditions with time- Everyone.
The other thing I wonder about the study is whether paid any attention to the posture of the computer users. I found that the major cause of my CTS & RSI problems was due to incorrect posture while using the computer, not computer use itself. If I had been using correct posture all along, I am not sure I would have had any problems.
Injured by CTS should look at the big picture. To link the cause of CTS with computer use is akin to sticking a needle into a cavity to cause pain and blaming the needle for the cavity. As for John who wonders what Insurance Company paid for the study, he should think about what his life would be like with no Insurance companies.
Seems most people like to hate Insurance Companies, even when they’re in an auto accident, hurt at work or loose there home to fire as they worry that they may have to pay a little more for coverage. They never appreciate the fact that their car is fixed, medical bills covered, or they are paid indemnity when they can’t work. Ask these people if they’re willing to extend coverage for any common liability situation that Insurance Companies cover, for a typical policy premium amount, and they think you’re crazy.
Here in New York, I’ve written my State Representative suggesting we change the name of New York State Workers Compensation Board to New York State Providers Compensation and Old Age Benefits Board and if you sit at my desk for any length of time, you’ll see why.
I comment on the behalf of my mother, whom no longer can work, type, cook, housework, drive, repetitive motions, grip, lift, pull or push because of B-Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for the last 7 years.
For five years my mother was a date entry operator for the United States Postal Service when she was diagnosed with B Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. As well she lost her job.
My mother never had any problem with her hands,wrist, weight, or neck before she was diagnosed with CTS. As well her family never had a history of CTS.
After my mother had her first surgery she had release from pain, numbness, and tingles. She was order to go back to work by her doctor. Advised by her doctor that she would still type.
She regain employment at another company in which she was a customer service rep. Months after she begain her employment as a typist all of her syptoms that she experienced before with her CTS. They came back again…This time worst.
Keep in mind..My mother has never done any hard labor job in her life. Has never lifted over 10lbs at the most of any of her jobs.
Again my mother stay out of work more than she stayed at work.She finally had her second surgery. This time the surgery didn\’t work. It was too late. My mother now is disabled. She bearly has strength in either one of her hands. Has pain in hands and wrist all the time. Still has numbness and tingling. As well has neck pain..
Explain this, the only job my mother has done consecutively is type…I don\’t believe the report is correct. Because my mother is a sound example…This is a another example of big business..
I was operated on both hands for CTS around 20 years ago. The results were spectacular. I made a complete recovery. I have recommended the surgery to my mother and to a neighbor. They both had bothe of their hands done and were completely relieved.
My symptoms came back around a year ago in both hands. I was given cortisone shots and was almost completely relieved of my pain. That only lasted for about 5 weeks. My left habd only has some numbness in the tips of my thumb, index and middle fingers, but my right hand and arm usually wake me up at least once a night. My right hand goes almost completely numb when I\’m on the computer.
I saw my neurologist today. She was unable to tell me why CTS can reoccur and if surgery will help this time. She gave me another shot in the right hand only and said that she\’d like to send me to a hand surgeon next time.
I cannot wear the hand brace; it\’s too uncomfortable and I feel, does nothing.
I really don\’t want surgery and found that physical therapy did nothing for me 20 years ago.
I NEED HELP!
Apparently, Jack, you are a healthcare provider of some sort. There are many physicians who work for the insurance carriers as well. Not all people who wokr for insurance carriers are bad people. I am a nurse and patient advocate no matter who signs my paycheck. I would never compromise my beliefs or a person\’s health just to save the insurance company money. But, not all carriers are bad. Not all carriers provide coverage for group health, which would include OB/GYN. That is crazy and sad about the salary of a OB/GYN. I can say that as a nurse, I definitely did not get rich in the insurance field. I know a lot of people who have been permanently disabled merely because their doctors were greedy for the almighty dollar. I am sorry, but 4-6 surgeries, sometimes more for the same injured body part, is too much. It leads to immobility and more complications. I would not recommend anyone go to a physician who could not fix something like a torn ACL within 1 or 2 surgeries at most. I have seen people lose total use of their hands due to repeated surgeries from the same doc or a combination of doctors. It is a shame, but there is corruption in the medical industry both with doctors and with insurance executives. I am not a huge insurance fan by no means. I just wanted to add a different point of view to the topic. I only hope that people stick to reputable doctors and not those who advertise during the day that they will \”treat your injuries, give you free lawyer referrals, provide transportation and stuff like that.\”
Clearly those of us who are responding here are not \”professional\” claimants. However since these conditions are cumalative it would take years to see what injures a person with computer use. Those of us who have treated CTS patient aka RSI know one thing, that computer use anywhere, not just at work can cause CTS, or RSI. Who pays the bill is not my concern. But there are few doctors making \”millions\” in this broken Insurance system anyway, and if you work in the Insurance industry you already know that. While doctors fees sit at all time lows, the big Insurance Industry is rocking with all time high stock prices. Did you knoew that an OBGYN made more money delivering 20 years ago? How owuld you like to roll back your salary 20 years hot shot. Since no man is an Island this will come back to haunt us. The best minds are not going into medicine any more, and eventually even the best insurance executives will need us too.
I have been a medical transcriptionist for 13+ years; not having any other outside jobs that may have injured my wrists. I find it funny how more women than men have carpal tunnel, but that it is not computer related. Studies show that more women then men have office jobs.
Also, in my diagnosis, diagnoses were made that cold, arthritis, thyroid and pregnancy were attributable to carpel tunnel. I had blood tests done by the physician who does not believe carpal tunnel is caused by computers and in fact is related to above mentioned blood work positivities. I had the blood work done and do not have arthritis, thyroid problems nor am not pregnant. I worked with people in the south, so if cold related, how come people down south have carpel tunnel. I dispute this theory and have document to prove so.
Thank you.
Crystal LaMarche
Best Article Ever