Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome - Damaging U.S. Economy
Repetitive strain injuries
(RSI's) like carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are
costing consumers, private business and insurance
companies more than $100 billion in lost revenue
each year.
According to The Agency for
Health Care Policy and Research , “ Musculoskeletal
disorders are the country's most costly category
of workplace injuries and illnesses. In addition
to spending $20 billion annually on workers'
compensation costs due to RSIs (Like Carpal
tunnel syndrome), the U.S. spends another $100
billion on lost productivity, employee turnover,
and other indirect expenses.
The goal of every private
business and insurance company should be to
cut costs, and this goal can only be met when
carpal tunnel syndrome and other “tunnel syndrome” disorders
are addressed in a scope of “prevention” rather
than after the fact and have to address the
injury through “rehabilitation” methods. Rehabilitation
costs to businesses and insurance companies
are much greater than costs associated with
prevention, and has an even higher toll on
the individual afflicted with the disorder
(carpal tunnel) in terms of both psychological
and physical damages.
The key to cutting costs associated
with CTS and RSI's is “prevention”, which can
be achieved through a variety of methods. By
implementing the methods listed below, overall
costs can be reduced dramatically and optimum
health and productivity of the individual can
be maintained.
- Job Rotation: Individuals
that rotate tasks, including the amount of
force they utilize for each task and the
amount of time each task is performed reveals
a great reduction in the level of carpal
tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain
injuries.
- Stretch / Exercise Breaks: Taking
a short break every 30-45 minutes is key
to reducing the onset of repetitive strain
injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. The
most important prevention element on this
list is to perform appropriate exercises
and stretches to improve circulation and
keep the muscles in tune and balanced. (For
a good list of stretches and exercises, speak
to the employee health director or to a certified
therapist)
- Workstation: Operating
in the correct environment is “key” to reducing
the possibility of getting carpal tunnel
syndrome. Proper seating, a good keyboard,
computer screen, mouse, desk set-up, positioning,
etc. is critical to reducing the amount of
strain imposed on a daily basis.
- Tools: When using tools
for assembly and construction, you must be
sure that they are properly designed to fit
you, not someone else.
To save as much money as possible
for everyone involved, it is wise to implement
as many of the elements listed above. By addressing
all angles conceivable, the chances of an injury
reduce dramatically and workers stay healthy.
When workers are healthy, productivity and
output increase, reducing healthcare costs
and increasing the bottom line for all. Stay
Healthy!
Author:
Jeff Anliker, LMT, is a Therapist and
Inventor of Therapeutic
Exercise Products that are utilized by Corporations,
Consumers and Medical Facilities around
the world for the prevention and rehabilitation
of repetitive strain injuries. ergo-ergo.com
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