We all spend too much time on our computers or texting on our cell phones. But since the likelihood of us clocking less hours on our cell phone or laptops is probably not going to change in the near future, we have to take necessary precautions to ensure that our bodies stay strong as we work more.
Just as sitting too long at our office desks makes us more stiff in our shoulders and hips, keeping our hands positioned over the keyboard can have the same effects. Injuries or pains that result from repetitive movements whether it’s typing, texting, playing tennis for 15 years or knitting are called Repetitive Stress Injuries, or RSI for short. They occur because the repetitious motion pulls on the muscles and tendons that surround the joint. In the case of computers, our wrists become overused and often mild to severe forms of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) can manifest.
But there is hope for your sore and achy wrists. A breakthrough study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine showed that a yoga-based routine was more effective at reducing the symptoms associated with Carpel Tunnel Syndrome than wearing a splint or receiving no treatment at all.
Yoga postures that relieve wrist pain also strengthen and elongate the supporting muscles of the hand making them more flexible and stronger to handle the constant motions of clicking away at the keyboard.
Here is an effective yoga exercise video that you can do to relieve your computer wrist pain or prevent it if you haven’t yet experienced computer-generated hand pain. And best of all, this routine can be performed right at your desk.
Get in the habit of doing these exercises every day as your computer warms up and even throughout the day when you need to take a break. But if your pain persists for more than a week, make an appointment with your doctor to rule out a more serious injury.