It’s often a joke in office-related humor (“I’m going to get carpal tunnel syndrome going through all these reports”), but as is often the case, the joking hides a grim truth. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) does affect people all over the world, and once detected, the treatment can be quite invasive.CTS affects the median nerve travelling through the carpal tunnel (the passageway in the wrist that connects the forearm to the palm). Specifically, CTS refers to a compression of that nerve, which results in numbness and/or tingling in the fingers, pain in the wrists, and pain in the arm and shoulder. People afflicted with CTS also experience swelling of the hand, which seems to worsen at night. If left untreated, the muscles involved can atrophy.So what exactly causes CTS? There are some risk factors. Women are three times more likely to experience this particular neuropathy, which is believed to be due to the smaller size of the carpal tunnel in women. Other risk factors include arthritis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, obesity, and trauma. However, anything that exerts pressure on the tunnel can lead to CTS. Office humor suggests that many people believe repetitive tasks and posture (such as those experienced at work) can lead to CTS. A scientific review by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health did find that repetitive acts and postures were associated with CTS, but did not establish causation. Nonetheless, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued rules regarding cumulative trauma disorders of this type. The fact that CTS is most often found in the working population does suggest that it is somehow associated with the work areait’s just not quite clear how yet.It is believed that the use of ergonomic work equipment can help prevent CTS. This includes wrist rests and mouse pads, as well as keyboard alternatives like voice recognition that prevent continuous typing. It’s also believed that regular breaks and anti-inflammatory vitamins can contribute to CTS prevention.