North Carolina, Raleigh- Work in agriculture can be demanding on workers' hands due to constant, repetitive movements. Among the concerns of health face, carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common and debilitating conditions.
Its symptoms include uncomfortable sensations in the wrist, numbness or tingling in the fingers, and weakness in the hand, among other ailments.
However, there are various exercises and resources to prevent pain or relieve it if the worker is already experiencing symptoms.
What is carpal tunnel?
“The carpal tunnel is an anatomical structure that we have at the level of the wrist, right between the forearm and the hand,” he explained to Enlace Latino NC Daiana Salomón, occupational therapist with experience in work rehabilitation in Argentina and Israel.
As the specialist explained, it is limited by bones and ligaments. And it is called “tunnel” because tendons and the median nerve pass right inside. This is the nerve that controls the function of the hand and fingers.
Excessive hand activity and repetition of non-ergonomic movements can cause carpal tunnel inflammation in agricultural workers.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome that affects agricultural workers?
According to Salomón, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the flexors of the fingers become inflamed, the canal narrows and the nerves are compressed.
Nerve compression can be very uncomfortable.
“Carpal tunnel symptoms usually begin gradually with numbness, tingling, and weakness. They sometimes include pain in the hand and wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome makes it difficult for some people to drive, read a book, or grasp small objects,” clarifies the National Institute of Health.
How to prevent back pain in agricultural workers?
Can it be prevented in agricultural workers?
Most specialists agree that to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, it is crucial to avoid repetitive movements.
However, as Salomón points out, it is difficult to comply with that premise when daily activities include these types of movements, as occurs in agricultural work.
In that sense, he emphasizes that each case is different and there are always ergonomic interventionss to prevent pain.
Consulting with a specialist in time is one of the keys to preventing the pathology from increasing.
Carpal tunnel symptoms are also recognized by experiencing a tingling or numb sensation in the hands, especially at night. It can also manifest itself with sensations of weakness and pain in the hands, sensations of electric shocks, and difficulty performing precise movements, such as buttoning or writing accurately.
It is important to seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms, as you could have carpal tunnel syndrome. Early treatment can help prevent long-term complications.
Recommendations to delay the progression or reduce the symptoms of carpal tunnel
Solomon recommends practicing hand relaxation methods. And he suggests doing them at night, so that the limbs of agricultural workers can relax after a long day.
“It can be very useful to use a rest splint to keep the hand in the anatomically correct position so that the flexors can rest at night,” said the specialist. This practice could slowly reduce inflammation of the nerve and reduce the symptoms.
For more acute cases, with more advanced carpal tunnel syndrome, mention other strategies.
“There are different stages of rehabilitation depending on the state of the syndrome, the person and the activity they perform. For example, put your hand in a bowl with legumes and move it. That makes a mix of massage, relaxation and mobility. It also promotes relaxation in the flexors.”
Another relaxation method mentioned by Salomón is to spread hot paraffin – as long as it does not burn – on the hand and forearm, and cover them with a nylon bag.
“It is important to keep warm for about fifteen minutes to relax all the muscles.”
Ultimately, in severe cases carpal tunnel syndrome is operable.
“What surgery does is free the canal so that the flexors and the nerve are comfortable and can perform their function correctly. But rehabilitation is always necessary after surgery,” he warned.
health resources
If you are a farm worker and experience any discomfort related to carpal tunnel, such as hand pain, it is recommended go to a health professional for an evaluation. Avoid self-medication, taking an inappropriate medication or with an incorrect dose can put your health at risk. .
There are free or low-cost health resources, for more information on clinics with free or very low-cost health care in North Carolina click.
If you need guidance or more information about carpal tunnel syndrome, leave us a comment and we will try to provide you with more information. Find out about resources available to farmworkers by clicking click here.
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