What Types of Occupations Can Lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

 Posted on May 15, 2020 in Workers' Compensation

There are numerous occupations that involve physical labor. For some employees, this may involve lifting or moving heavy objects. Other jobs may not involve using the whole body, but rather require repetitive motion of certain body parts. Years of continuously using the same muscles and joints can lead to problems. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand. It is also known as median nerve compression. Even employees who work in different industries may still suffer from this type of work injury. In some cases, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to a workers’ compensation claim.

Signs and Symptoms

The median nerve runs the length of a person’s arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when pressure on that nerve goes through a passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel and ends in the hand. The median controls feeling and movement of the thumb and all the fingers except the pinky.

One of the first symptoms that a person who has carpal tunnel syndrome may experience is the feeling that his or her hand has “fallen asleep.” This numbing sensation can go all the way up the arm. In some cases, an individual may have flare-ups when holding that requires the wrist to bend, such as holding a book or steering wheel. Below are possible signs that someone might have this syndrome:

• Tingling, numbness, or burning sensation in the hand
• Weakness in the hand and difficulty holding or grasping objects
• Shock-like feeling that moves into the fingers
• Stinging that travels to the arm

Surgery may be necessary if symptoms are severe or do not respond to physical therapy. Repairing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome relieves pressure by cutting the ligament that is pressing on the median nerve.

Physical Jobs

Production type jobs that include an assembly line or repeated movement can cause a worker to sustain an injury such as carpal tunnel. Holding equipment or devices in the hand for an extended period of time can also lead to pain and suffering. For example, an office worker who is on the computer for eight-plus hours each day operating a mouse may develop the syndrome. Cooks or bakers who stir and tailors who sew can place a significant strain on the hand. In addition, a barber holds scissors and a comb for hours at a time can also suffer damage. A few of the most common jobs where workers may suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome include the following:

• Chef/baker
• Office worker
• Seamstress
• Cashier
• Hairstylist
• Assembly line worker
• Musician

Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, employees may be entitled to benefits to cover the cost of lost wages and rehabilitation and medical bills.

Contact a Wheaton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Although some may think of it as a minor injury, carpal tunnel syndrome can require surgery and leave a worker with debilitating and lasting effects. If you or someone you know has suffered while performing your job, you may be eligible for financial relief. The competent Law Offices of David W. Clark, P.C. have obtained several multi-million-dollar settlements in a variety of personal injury and workers’ compensation claims throughout Illinois. Our seasoned DuPage County workplace injury attorneys will carefully review the circumstances that led to your injury and guide you through the process of seeking benefits. To schedule your free consultation, call us today at 630-665-5678.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2430

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=082003050K8

https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/carpal-tunnel/carpal-tunnel-syndrome#1