It has been estimated that three percent of the population in the Unites States suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the most common of repetitive stress injuries. The injury related to the overuse of wrist and hand muscles affects many industries, including assembly line workers, musicians and office workers.

Treatments for repetitive stress injuries (RSI) and carpal tunnel include medications, splints and resting of the hand and wrist. Surgery made the last resort made for serious CTS cases. However, there are some cases where the patient doesn’t see an immediate relief from these treatments and are compelled to find alternative CTS treatments to ease symptoms, such as numbness and tingling of the hands and fingers.

Carpal tunnel yoga is a new age treatment that is believed to relieve pain the wrist and increase the strength in the ailing hand. Yoga improves the body’s overall posture and endurance and there are a variety of different poses, such as chair twists, Downward Dog with chair and 90 degree forward bends to a wall, that provide relief. Some studies have even concluded that carpal tunnel yoga is more effective than wearing a splint on your wrist.

Because you will often feel shooting pains or experience swelling in your wrist and hand, carpal tunnel massage is another alternative treatment you may want to look into. Look into these various massage techniques to ease your wrist pain:

• Swedish massage uses tapping and kneading strokes to loosen joints and relieve muscle tension. The five basic strokes in Swedish massage are: tapping or beating strokes; vibration of the muscle; stroking; the grabbing and lifting of muscles; and friction using the thumbs and fingertips in deep circles.
• Neuromuscular massage is applied to individual muscles to increase blood flow, release pressure and reduce pain.
• Skull and spinal massage therapy uses extremely light pressure to the bones and membranes that surround these areas.

The Eastern influence has also led CTS sufferers to believe that acupuncture is another form of treatment. Research is still continuing to prove its success. A chiropractor can also realign your joints and bones in rehabilitating exercises, which include the twisting, pushing and pulling movements of the wrist and forearm.

Individuals with CTS can also look into carpal tunnel herbs and vitamins to promote a healthier lifestyle and improve their pain from within. Some people take vitamin B6 is a supplement that promotes protein metabolism, red blood cell metabolism and a healthy nervous and immune system. Originally used to treat depression, St. John’s wort helps to recuperate damaged nerves by reducing pain and swelling. Flaxseed oil is a fatty acid that can also reduce inflammation of the area. Lastly, turmeric contains anti-inflammatory chemicals to treat pain and has been widely compared to cortisone.

Depending on your own lifestyle, there is a treatment out there to suit anyone. If you’re not sure about which alternative treatment to pursue, speak with your health professional for their specialized guidance with your specific case.

Technologically savvy and ergonomic product lovers are switching to LCD computer screens to complete their ergonomic workstation to reduce eye strain and improve their overall environment. LCD, which stands for Liquid Crystal Display, used to be a luxury for homeowners and big corporations. Technology has improved and the prices for these specialized screens have come down so much that your average Joe can afford them.

The first type of computer monitor screen was made from CRT, which stands for Cathode Ray Tube. This screen is becoming less popular because their color imaging isn’t as superior as an LCD screen. However, CRTs are still useful for displaying images with high pixels per unit area and with the correct color balance. CRT monitor screens are also still popular with those working in the broadcasting and printing industries, as well as those working in professional graphics and photography fields because of their greater color contrast and better resolution for displaying moving images. Apart from these industries, the average consumer is not in the market for CRT screens because LCD screens offer better features.
One of the other reasons that consumers are staying away from CRT monitors are the health concerns and claims involved with this product. Some researchers have claimed that electromagnetic fields are emitted by these monitors, which can have a negative effect on one’s living cells. Researchers have also proved that CRTs can release a small amount of X-ray radiation, but is considered not harmful. Lastly, CRTs are considered to be toxic waste when discarded, operate under extremely high voltages, and implosion may occur if the outer glass envelope is damaged.

Ergonomic LCD screens in the workplace are beneficial to workers because it produces a clearer image and helps to avoid eye strain. The reduced glare on the computer screen’s monitor helps to deter any eye injuries or headaches. A CRT monitor redraws the image on the screen when it refreshes, but an ergonomic LCD monitor screen only changes the necessary pixels when it refreshes. Ergonomic monitor screens are also void of flicker because they don’t work with a scanning electron beam. Flicker on a computer screen also lead to eye strain and a decrease in visual performance.

Ergonomic LCD monitors are also much thinner and lighter when compared to a CRT screen so it can be easily mounted and won’t strain your back if you ever have to move the screen. LCDs are also becoming increasingly popular, outside of the ergonomic workstation industry, because it requires less power per display area. Officials have noted that the energy use with an LCD screen is nearly 60 percent less than a CRT screen. Research has also shown that LCDs allow for better posture while working on the computer. Because the screen cannot be clearly viewed from different side angles, the screen helps to force the user to align their body with the front plain of the screen.

Overall, an ergonomic LCD monitor is more beneficial to someone working in an office because of the improved technology and better visual features that promote healthy eyes and posture. Be your own critic and test both screens out, but you may find yourself upgrading to LCD monitors in the future.

If you spend at least eight hours a day working in an office, it’s only a matter of time before you start getting antsy and need a distraction to relax your brain a bit. While you could spend some time catching up on your serious solitaire skills or shopping online, wouldn’t it be a more fulfilling experience to plan the ultimate office prank on your co-workers or boss? In the more casual work environments, office pranks are used as an initiation of sorts for new employees, or to get revenge on co-workers who are just getting back from a long-winded vacation to the tropics. Here is list of simple and more extraordinary office practical jokes that you can practice at your own work place. Welcome to Part 2 of The Best Office Pranks.

Simple office pranks to take advantage of:

A little Google language switch-a-roo—When your co-worker leaves their desk for a few minutes, go into their Google search page, click on the “Preferences” link and change the interface language to something unique, such as Klingon on Pirate. If your co-worker isn’t the most technologically savvy, they may have some problems the next time they are feeling lucky.

It’s a jerk in a box—Get a box that is big enough for you to fit in and place the box is a heavily trafficked place, such as near someone’s cubicle or in the break room. Get in the box, jump out and scare passing victims. Crazy masks are a plus here.

A little J-E-L-L-O love—Take one of your co-worker’s most used items that can be replaced, such as a mouse or calculator and bring it home with you. In a large bowl, mix a few boxes of Jell-O and place the item in the bowl and let it sit over night. Bring the Jell-O mold back to work and replace it where it was the day before. Your co-worker will have a great time figuring out how to get their item out of this delicious dessert.

The finished product!

More intensive office pranks that you may need some time to plan:

“I swear that wasn’t my computer!”—There are certain computer programs, such as EZ Macro amen5a, that you can download to a colleague’s computer that allows you to set up various applications to run when certain specifications are met. For example, the desk top can open up a few dozen windows all at the same time, forcing your coworker to try and close all of the unnecessary programs. You could run an application where awkward sounds come from their computers when certain words are typed. Choose an application that adds funny words automatically after they type in predetermined words. Or, find a program that opens NSFW images every few minutes.

Recycle, Reduce, Reuse—This prank is pretty time consuming so get some assistance from friends. Get a bunch of cardboard and recreate everything in your co-worker’s office, ranging from their computer and desk, to portraits of their family and staplers. Install a video in their office so you can capture their face when they realize their office was built for a hobo. If you are looking for a less time-consuming office prank, wrap their whole office in newspaper.

Another funny office prank idea!

Tips for pulling off an office prank with the safest parameters:

• Make sure to notify higher management if you will be attempting to pull off more detailed pranks. Don’t hurt anyone’s feelings or break any property. You do want your job the next day, right?
• If the victim suspects that an office prank may be happening soon—say it’s close to April Fool’s Day—try doing the prank a few days before or after April 1st or when they get back from vacation to keep them on their toes.
• Take lots of pictures and video to document people’s stunned faces. Don’t forget to share these pictures and they may even end up on the monthly company newsletter.
• Ask co-workers to help you out. If the process is extensive, you’ll need more bodies to distract the victim and follow through with the scheme.

Office pranks are a popular past time for any imaginative co-worker, but make sure the prank is safe and won’t upset anyone in the office. Get your creative juices flowing and keep the integrity of office humor alive.

While many office employees often kid that their heavy workload may cause them carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) if they don’t go on a vacation or get a three-day weekend, the serious wrist injury is no laughing matter. The cause of carpal tunnel syndrome can be based on unhealthy work conditions or already present medical conditions. Studies have shown that more than half of CTS cases are due to workplace conditions. The other minority of CTS causes are due to a medical history of obesity, diabetes, arthritis and hypothyroidism. At the same time, a combination of serious medical conditions and a stressful workplace can increase the potential that one will acquire CTS.

Carpal tunnel syndrome involves a compressed median nerve at the wrist that leads to pain and muscle weakness in the hand. The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel, which is a canal in the wrist surrounded by bone on three sides and a transverse carpal ligament that surrounds the fourth side.

The first symptoms of CTS may appear while the person is sleeping and include numbness in the thumb, index and middle finger and sometimes in the palm. Because many people bend their wrists while they sleep, the symptoms become more defined and apparent. Having difficulty when making a fist or gripping on to an object, dropping items and wrist weaknesses are also symptoms that the carpal tunnel case is progressing.

Although a majority of CTS cases are without a known cause, one of the biggest causes of CTS is repetitive activities in the wrist and hand, usually resulting in typing on a keyboard or continuous motion in the wrist. Repetition in the wrist is often blamed for the expansion of CTS, the connection between the two is oftentimes uncertain. Other causes include:

• Genetics: One of the most important risk factors
• Work environment: The relationship between work and CTS is oftentimes controversial, but in many industries, workers can request time off or extra compensation to deal with their CTS. Forceful and repetitive use of the hand and wrist in manufacturing companies and offices also are a high contributor.
• Posture: Determined to be another main cause of CTS, the rolling of the shoulders forward, rounding of the lower back and thrusting of the chin compresses the nerves in the neck and shortens the neck and shoulder muscles. Compressed nerves in the neck have an effect on the hand, fingers and wrist.
• Stress: Medical professionals have determined that stress is misdirected as a cause of CTS.
• Previous trauma: Fractures in the arm and wrist bones are also considered a cause
• Medical problems: Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and hypothyroidism can also cause the inflammation of the carpal tunnel.
• Hormones: Changes in hormones and the preservation of fluids during pregnancy can cause swelling and symptoms of CTS.

Researchers have come up with various treatments to CTS, such as immobilizing wrist braces, using ergonomic products, or prioritizing hand activities. Medical professionals have not been able to come up with a medication to prevent or treat CTS. However, carpal tunnel release surgery may be required in more serious cases.

In the ideal situation, an individual that spends their 9 to 5 job working in front of a computer will have a perfectly set up work station.

They would have changed their office chair, to an ergonomic chair that provides features to prevent ailments. The armrests would offer proper support, the lumbar region would not be put under any stress and the backrest would be properly adjusted to maintain the integrity of a healthy spine.

The individual would also have an ergonomic keyboard that provides zoom features, short cut keys and padded hand rests to aid in painful wrist sensations. Finally, this person would be working with a computer that doesn’t increase straining of the eyes to focus on the screen and adequate lighting in their work environment. To complete the design of an ergonomic work place, you will want to consider using an ergonomic mouse to avoid injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic back pain.

Most ergonomic mice are pretty inexpensive, when compared to the health benefits you can receive from the absence of straining your hands and wrist. Newer styles involve the gripping of the entire hand to use the mouse and roller technology that involves more use of the fingers to navigate through pages, rather than the wrist. Hold the mouse gently, whatever the shape it may take, and glide it over the surface without putting too much strain on your wrist. Because the mouse is designed in a way with ergonomic precision, there is no need to flick the mouse with your wrist. You may notice that these products are sensitive to quick touch so play with the mouse a bit to gauge how much movement you will really need to put in place while using it. Controlled movements are key to protect your hand, as well as productivity with your job responsibilities.

While sitting back in your chair, relax your arms and lift the hand that will be using the ergonomic mouse up until the hand is just above elbow level. The mouse should be placed exactly where your hand falls to avoid any strain. The mouse pad should be positioned one to two inches above the keyboard and over the numeric keypad if you are right handed. Keep in mind that you can position the mouse and pad anywhere, so long as your wrist is in a neutral position. Also remember that any extra pressure near the wrist will disrupt circulation of the blood, which may lead to other injuries. Avoid wearing tight sleeves, watches or other types of jewelry to maintain the comfort of your hands and wrists throughout the day.

Medical research has been conducted to notify office workers that using a wrist rest can actually double the amount of pressure inside the carpal tunnel. If you have specific questions about the ergonomic mouse you plan to use as part of your ergonomic office design, you can contact your general physician or even the manufacturer of the mouse about health precautions and benefits you should take into consideration.

There are many industries where employees notice body pains and back injuries because of the type of work they endure. Whether you work in an industrial warehouse, or are a magazine editor of a national publication, today’s work responsibilities and deadlines are becoming more strenuous and fast-paced. At the same time, there are repetitive strain injuries (RSI) that affect a bounty of people in the labor and office work environments.

Repetitive strain injuries are mostly caused by making the same movements over and over again as part of the responsibilities and duties of a particular job. It is unbelievable how the overuse of a simple motion can put a toll on particular parts of your body. Here is a compilation of various repetitive strain injuries that can affect your body’s health.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most recognized of the RSI types. This syndrome progresses when the median nerve inside of the wrist becomes compressed, usually as a result of strenuous movements or poor posture. The person suffering from CTS will experience numbness as part of the first symptoms. Genetics, poor working conditions and previous medical problems are often a cause of CTS.

Tendonitis is another common RSI that can affect many different parts of the body. This injury transpires when a tendon becomes inflamed. Common cases of tendonitis occur in the hips, knees, shoulders, wrists, ankles, legs, arms and elbow. Sport enthusiasts are a common sufferer of tendonitis because of the amount of strain the body goes through. The Achilles tendon is another part of the body that is commonly affected with this syndrome.

Symptoms include pain of the area, stiffness near the tendon, or a burning feeling surrounding the affected joint. There are widely used treatments that one can use to aid their ailments. One can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, braces on the limbs and get some rest to treat their symptoms. Full recovery can be expected within four to six weeks.

Tenosynovitis is a RSI that is similar to tendonitis. Those suffering with tenosynovitis acquire an inflammation of the sheath that surrounds the tendon. The most common cases of tenosynovitis occur within the fingers. Symptoms include a limited range of motion with the fingers and may experience a cracking experience when they try to straighten their fingers.

De Quervain’s syndrome is a repetitive strain injury of the tunnel that surrounds the two tendons that control the movement of the thumb. These two tendons are of the extensor pollicis brevis and the abductor pollicis longus muscles. These muscles have similar functions and allow for the movement of the thumb away from the hand. The cause of this syndrome is not known, but some people claim that repetitive use of the thumb is a contributing factor. Symptoms of De Quervain include tenderness, pain and swelling over the side of the wrist where the thumb is attached to. This syndrome is more common in women.

If you practice repetition in movements in your workplace, look out for these symptoms and pains so you don’t find yourself with these repetitive strain injuries. Practice better posture and consider the use of ergonomic and stretch or take breaks each hour while working to prevent eye strain, back pain and more serious injuries.

A wide majority of office workers are constantly looking for new products for their cubicle and exercises they do when they become fatigued with a hefty workload. For the most part, employees have a difficult time concentrating on their daily work responsibilities when their hands, wrists and backs are becoming tense and weak due to strenuous and tedious activity. These body pains are especially important for business owners to take into consideration because these minor injuries can often lead to larger problems such as stress, chronic lower back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The term “ergonomic exercises” is becoming widely popular for those looking for a distraction to soothe their muscles and bones. Some office employees would say that during a busy work period, they could spend anywhere from four to a full eight hours sitting in one spot to get their work done. These prolonged postures are definitely not recommended, but are sometimes necessary to meet your company’s deadlines. In order to avoid this strenuous toll on your body, here are a few ergonomic exercises you can do to maintain your comfort level in the office.

• Take short breaks—usually one to two minutes—every 20 to 30 minutes. After each hour of work you complete, take a break when necessary from anywhere to five to ten minutes. Avoid staying at your desk during lunch and get some fresh air to stimulate your senses.
• Eye strain and fatigue can lead to intense headaches and stress so refocus your eyes when you need it and take a break to from looking at your computer screen when you become uncomfortable. Look away from the monitor and focus on something outside of your peripheral.
• Give your eyes a rest by covering them with your palms for 10 or 20 seconds to prevent eye strain.
• Try to improve your posture when your back becomes fatigued. Get up and move around when you start to feel antsy to prevent back pain.

Some opponents would say that they don’t need to get up and spend the extra minutes resting their bodies, especially when they get in the zone of deep concentration. However, it is better to take little breaks every hour rather than feeling unmotivated and burned out by the end of the afternoon.

For those that spend most of their time in the office in a computer chair, ergonomic exercise is especially important. Especially with timely tasks, employees sometimes lose track of time as to how long they have been sitting in one place. Here are some exercises one can do to maintain the well-being of their bodies while in the workplace.

• Focus your eyes to the left and right and up and down, multiple times without turning your head or neck. Then, rotate your eyes to form a circle and make sure both eyes focus together at each point. Do this five times in clockwise and counter clockwise directions to prevent eye strain.
• While breathing deeply, turn your head and neck to each side and up and down at least five times and notice any pressure or pain in either direction. Rotate your neck to form a circle while you breathe normally. Rotate to each shoulder at least five times in clockwise and counterclockwise directions to prevent neck and back pain.

Back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and eye strain can be prevented provided that you have ergonomic office accessories that can prevent injury. In the meantime, practice these ergonomic exercises to ease these types of pains from working in an office environment.

Uncovering the mystery of ergonomic products

The term “ergonomic” has become quickly popular, and dare we say, trendy, in the recent years among office workers and interior designers. While some individuals believe that ergonomic products are solely aesthetically pleasing, these items are also beneficial to your health and well-being in the workplace.

Ergonomics is the scientific definition in designing an item in relation to human needs to optimize the overall performance. Research done by ergonomic professionals is especially helpful to product designers looking to make their manufactured goods compatible with the needs and even limitations of the people using the items.

Keep in mind that dedicated individuals working in an office can spend anywhere from three to eight hours sitting in an office chair and staring at a computer screen while performing their given tasks. Their backs, legs, shoulder, wrists and eyes are bound to become fatigued. It was only a matter time before design elements were created to benefit the work environment of hard working individuals.  If you’re experiencing back pain or carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms you should consider educating yourself on ergonomics.

The person assessing the fit between a person and the type of work they do, also known as an ergonomist, will first consider the type of work the person is doing and the demands that the job responsibilities put on that person. Next, the ergonomist will consider the equipment that the person uses at their job, how large or small it is, and how appropriate it is used for the given tasks. The ergonomist will also consider the information that the person uses at a given time: How is this information presented and does it change drastically?

Generally, there are five different elements that are taken into consideration when determining the ergonomics of a particular item: safety, ease of use, comfort, aesthetics and productivity/performance. The ideal ergonomic product will provide optimal viewing, comfortable usage, consistency, and puts the well-being of the individual in the forefront.

An example of this type of product is the widely popular ergonomic keyboard. This type of keyboard offers a zoom feature to attain a closer look; provides hot keys that perform common tasks with ease or guide you to often used features, such as email, internet and programs; improved number pad; a more comfortable design that encourages natural wrist and arm alignment; integrated palm rest, among many other special features.

Business owners are looking toward implementing ergonomic products in their workplaces to increase the safety and well-being of their employees, which also leads to a prolonged happiness with their position and decreases the risk of injury. It is becoming easier to design a workplace with the best interest and integrity of individuals intact, as well as a healthier work environment.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) affects many workers in America, even if these individuals are unaware of the symptoms and treatments of this common repetitive strain injury. Those who work on assembly lines, in front of a computer, checkout clerks and even musicians experience strain in their wrists and hands because of the repetitive nature that comes along with their job responsibilities. While good posture, the use of ergonomic products in the work place and breaks during the day are all common preventative measures one can take to avert carpal tunnel syndrome, there are also some other tips that one can consider if they work in any of the aforementioned industries.

Orthopedic surgeons and medical professionals have noticed that many individuals are becoming affected by CTS and have come up with exercises that one can perform at the beginning and ending of their shift or while taking a break from work.

Research done by orthopedic surgeons and medical professionals also shows that newly diagnosed CTS patients should hold off on certain everyday movements during the first couple of weeks after receiving nonsurgical treatment. These movements include holding cups, pushing shopping carts, or even ringing a doorbell. These easy activities will increase the pressure on the median nerve and will actually worsen the condition. Wearing a wrist brace of splint while performing these activities can also negatively impact the condition. For your own benefit, avoid any and all hand and wrist motions until you have completely healed.

For several weeks, a person with CTS should use a splint and anti-inflammatory medication for several weeks and make sure that the affected hand and wrist is not being used for any reason, other than rehabilitating exercises.

To prevent CTS, you should avoid using your hand in flexed, twisted and extended positions for long periods of time. If possible, adjust your work space so that your wrists are level with the equipment you are using and take breaks while performing repetitive tasks with your hands and wrists. If you work with a computer, these frequent breaks will become beneficial to prevent wrist pain, back pain and eye strain.

If you experience any numbness or tingling sensations, you will want to discuss these ailments with your doctor to determine any serious problems and/or treatment. Avoid any tight watches or jewelry on the wrist and fingers.

If you notice that your hands feel swollen, massage from the finger tips to the base of the palm to relieve the swelling. Avoid excessive up and down, and side to side wrist movements as much as possible. You can also prevent swelling on the hand by reducing the level of grasping activities, such as holding a pen. The harder you apply force while holding onto an object, the more susceptible you will experience these pains. If you absolutely have to use objects that require intense gripping movements, consider using a cushioned glove or padded handles to release some of that tension. Also, avoid using tools that cause intense vibration as this can also affect the level of pain you will endure.

If you work out at the gym frequently and experience wrist pains, avoid direct pressure on the heel of the hand while doing pushups, strenuous triceps exercises and pressing on hard surfaces when getting up from a chair. Shake your hands and wrists to reduce uncomfortable feelings and tension.

What good is having a laptop if you can’t trick it out with the coolest, most technologically advanced accessories? The following is a look at the laptop accessories that can make you more efficient, browse the web from more places and just generally enhance your computing experience.

Fingerprint access

In the name of enhanced security, companies have moved beyond the standard password access system. Now, individuals who want to insure that they are the ONLY ONE who can access their laptops can purchase fingerprint scanners that make it possible for anyone else to startup the machine, let alone access the valuable information contained within. These sharp little pieces of technology can purchased as an add-on, and even come standard in many new units from Dell and other computer manufacturers.

The wireless web card

In days gone by (say, 2006) we were forced to hunt high and low for our WiFi connections. It forced us to stay home and mooch off of our neighbor’s connection - or worse yet sit in a coffee shop and pay a fortune for the privilege in latte form. But then AT&T, Verizon and several other major carriers created broadband networks in major cities that allowed us to plug a simple device into our laptops and connect anywhere, anytime – all for a nominal monthly fee. The wireless web card has made mobile computing a breeze in major urban areas devoted to high-tech enhancements.

The tiny wireless mouse

The problem with many laptops is that using the finger-pad to maneuver the pointer around the screen can be a frustrating affair – it’s highly inaccurate and just plan awkward. And nobody wants to carry a big clunky mouse around from place to place either, so what are you to do? Use the mini mouse – a highly portable wireless device that provides top notch point-and-click accuracy without taking up tons of room in your laptop bag. Tiny wireless mice don’t provide support against carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive stress injuries.

External Speakers

As laptops have become more technically advanced over the past several years, so too have their multimedia capabilities become much meatier. High definition monitors and Blu-Ray DVD functionality have given people a chance to run some serious entertainment through their laptops. But what good is it all if the sound comes through on tiny, muffled speakers? Luckily, companies like Bose and Sony have filled the void with amazing portable speakers that plug right in via USB and create sound worthy of the most expensive home theater units.

Docking Stations

The ability to use desktop computer monitors and accessories with your laptop was just a pipe dream until several years ago when Dell introduced the docking station to its list of PC innovations. Now, users can take their work anywhere, but always return home to plug it into the dock and use their favorite keyboards and monitor. The result is a dual-use system that serves the individual who has to travel often, but needs the stability of an office-based PC as well.

As laptops continue to grow beyond their roots, and surpass desktops in terms of sales, look for more and more accessories to make the mobile computing experience better (and cooler).