Carpal Tunnel Syndrome- How serious is it?

Studies of specific occupations such as manufacturing and keyboarding show that carpal tunnel syndrome is increasingly more common. 

In a recent study of 982 supermarket checkers, 614 say they experience symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. 

An electronic manufacturing facility which employs approximately 700 people, reported that over a 5 year period, 52 employees filed for workers’ compensation benefits.  

Meat handlers are also at risk.  A group of 788 meat handlers were surveyed.  Of the 788 reporting, 117 underwent surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. This was reported over a 12 year period. 

A survey of 400 American hand surgeons revealed that each surgeon, on average, performed 65 surgeries per year for carpal tunnel syndrome.

In the US, approximately 240,000 people a year undergo surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Approximately 18% of all adults in the US have carpal tunnel syndrome.

Medical care in the US for carpal tunnel syndrome costs about $1 billion annually. 

Thirty-three (33%) of carpal tunnel syndrome patients who underwent surgery for the condition, experienced a return of their symptoms after surgery. 

OSHA reports that repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, are the number one reported work related health issue.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 66% of all occupational illnesses were caused by repetitive stress to a worker’s wrist, elbow or shoulder