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. |
