Many people who are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome first imagine that the only way they can get relief is through surgery. For those who have spent days or hours stuck behind a computer trying to plug away at their projects, dealing with the numbness and pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, this is not a pleasant sounding option. But it’s not only office workers who are considering surgery as an option. It is construction workers, painters and many other types of workers as well.

For anyone who uses their hands and wrists in an ongoing repetitive way for most of every day, carpal tunnel syndrome could easily develop. The condition can be made worse if they are not careful to maintain the correct posture and technique as they work. There are many people who end up developing this condition because they do not take breaks to stretch their hands and wrists. By not doing so they could end up with this syndrome.

In order for you to understand carpal tunnel syndrome and to know what it is you need to first understand its basic physiology. When the wrist tightens and stiffens it compresses the median nerve and this is why sufferers have to deal with numbness and severe pain. The condition is so severe that people with it are not able to use their hands and wrists while at the same time they suffer very bad pain, and it is for these reasons that they desperately seek a solution that will put an end to the pain.

While there are many types of intervention, surgery is one option for those who wish to be rid of the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel surgery is usually done under “twilight anesthesia”, a somewhat reduces form of anesthesia. The surgery itself involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve ongoing damage to the nerves. The transverse carpal ligament is a ligament at the wrist that wraps around all the other ligaments running vertically along the arm. The idea is that cutting this ever tightening ligament will immediately reduce pressure on the other ligaments. The transverse carpal ligament will then “scar” together while leaving more room for the other ligaments.

No surgery is without its risks, and those who have carpal tunnel syndrome may even lose a great deal of strength in their wrists as a result. You also risk damaging any other nerves or tendons in the area. It just isn’t a very viable option unless it is absolutely your last resort. Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome can cost up to $10,000 dollars and leave you with weeks of recovery time.

Many therapists suggest that you make your environment more ergonomically sound. They stress the importance of having the proper posture and technique so that your wrists are not subjected to excessive strain. By taking regular breaks and stretching the hands and wrists you will lessen the pressure. Another method of helping to prevent the syndrome is to have hand and wrist massages as this helps to loosen the soft tissue in the hands. Considering that these options exist it is unfortunate that anyone would consider surgery as their first choice.

In order for you to make an informed choice it is important that you take the time to find out about the condition. Remember, maintaining healthy habits is your first step to a pain free life.