How Serious Is The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Problem?

The U.S. Department of Labor has concluded that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the “chief occupational hazard of the 90’s”. Workers are becoming disabled from CTS in record numbers

The information below provides some insight as to the affects of the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome epidemic on workers and their families both physical and financial:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affects over 8,000,000 people..
• Half of all work related injuries is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• 25% of all computer operators have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with estimates that by the year 2000, 50% of the entire workforce may be affected.
• The second most common type of surgery is for people afflicted with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Doctors perform over 230,000 procedures yearly.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients were able to return to work only 23% of the time.
• 36% of all Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients require unlimited medical treatment.
• Women are at an increased risk to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; up to 50% more likely then men.
• Although women make up nearly half the work force, 2/3’s of all work related Repetitive Stress Injuries are reported by women.

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