Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a painful condition caused by pressure on the median nerve, one of three main nerves passing from the arm to the hand. The median nerve passes through the wrist, which consists of eight small bones that form a "tunnel". The tunnel narrows, due to swelling of the protective sheaths around the wrist tendons, resulting in pressure on the sensitive median nerve.

The U.S. Department of Labor has concluded that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the "chief occupational hazard of the 90's"- disabling workers in epidemic proportions.

The following statistics provides some insight as to the devastating physical and financial affects of the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome epidemic on workers and their families:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is the number one cause of occupational cumulative trauma ithe National Center for Health Statisticsnjury in the United States.

Data from indicates that every year more than 850,000 new problem visits are made to physicians because of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome results in the highest median number of days of work loss (30 days) among all major work-related injury or illness categories.

Almost half of carpal tunnel syndrome-cases (47.5 percent) result in 31 days or more of work loss.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), the most common of the Repetitive Motion illnesses, is known medically as a "nerve entrapment disorder.

Currently, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affects over 8 million Americans. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the #1 reported medical problem accounting for about 50% of all work-related injuries.

Presently, 25% of all computer operators have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with estimates that by the year 2000, 50% of the entire workforce may be affected.

Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the second most common type of surgery with over 230,000 procedures performed yearly. Only 23% of all Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients were able to return to their previous professions following surgery.

Up to 36% of all Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients require unlimited medical treatment.

Women are twice as likely to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as opposed to their male counterparts.

While women account for about 45% of all workers they experience nearly 2/3's of all work-related Repetitive Stress Injuries.

(Sources: Bureau of Labor and Statistics and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-NIOSH)

CLOSE WINDOW