Yoga & Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The facts: Currently, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affects over 8 million Americans. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the #1 reported medical problem, accounting for about 50% of all work-related injuries. Approximately 260,000 carpal tunnel release operations are performed each year. Only 23% of all Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients were able to return to their previous professions following surgery. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome results in the highest number of days lost among all work related injuries. Almost half of the carpal tunnel cases result in 31 days or more of work loss. The U.S. Department of Labor has concluded that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the "chief occupational hazard"-disabling workers in epidemic proportions. Women are twice as likely to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as opposed to their male counterparts.

The Yoga Solution: A randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia concluded, "In this preliminary study, a yoga-based regimen was more effective than wrist splinting or no treatment in relieving some symptoms and signs of carpal tunnel syndrome." The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998, also noted that "Subjects in the yoga groups had significant improvement in grip strength and pain reduction, but changes in grip strength and pain were not significant for control subjects."

For more info and sample poses, check out Yoga and Carpel Tunnel. Photos from About.com.