Carpal Tunnel and Typing: Are They Related?

Perhaps not so. A 2003 study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that, of workers in Denmark who worked primarily or largely on computers, there was only a 1.4 percent incidence of Carpal Tunnel, which is similar to findings among the general population. In particular, it was found that there was no real correlation between the regular use of a keyboard and carpal tunnel. Certainly, this has to be of some relief to anyone who regularly writes documents or cranks out e-mails!

However, this isn’t to say that regular computer users are completely out of the woods. Those who used a mouse for more than 20 hours a week seemed to show an increase in Carpal Tunnel symptoms, although this was not completely conclusive. It is also still possible that excessive amounts of other activities such as video games could lead to Carpal Tunnel symptoms.

Currently, literature on the subject does not truly support the notion that work activities could cause Carpal Tunnel, though it is always possible that findings could eventually support such a notion. Even still, it doesn’t appear that heavy computer users should be overly concerned about such a possibility, or change their computer habits based on this concern alone. Although it is certainly good to put reasonable limits on your computer time, the stereotype and general belief that Carpal Tunnel is caused by computer use is not yet really supported by research, or by organizations such as The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), which does not currently consider that belief to be supported by current literature. While Carpal Tunnel can be a pain, and is certainly something to watch out for, the fear of developing it shouldn’t hinder your current computer choices or activities too much.