If you perform repetitive tasks at work and spend your days on your workplace computer, you need to be aware of symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of the first symptoms are a numbness, pain, tingling or burning in your fingers or palms. Many other jobs that require repetitive tasks may also lead to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. While your duties at work may be the cause for your carpal tunnel, you will not be able to sue your employer for workplace injuries because of workers compensation laws. A workers comp attorney NY trusts can help you with any questions.
The first step you need to take if you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome because of the work you perform, is to seek out and understand the workers’ compensation insurance plan in your state. This is likely the only way you may be able to receive compensation for this injury.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be caused by repetitive movements or overuse of the wrist or hand. It can also be brought on by other factors such as age, weight, arthritis, gender, diabetes, and pregnancy. When you suffer from this condition, a median nerve and tendons that travel through the carpal tunnel located in your wrist making your fingers flex is compressed. When there is any swelling at all, it compresses these tendons and nerves causing pain, numbness and weakness in the wrist and hand.
Repetitive tasks that are common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Using a cash register
- Typing
- Data entry
- Slicing, pushing or putting weight on things and not being given a reasonable break
There are several avenues to pursue to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. If you choose surgery, the procedure is called ‘carpal tunnel release’. In this procedure, the surgeon increases the space for the median tendons and nerve by cutting through the ligament. Recovering from carpal tunnel surgery can be anywhere from several weeks to months. If you have suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome for quite some time, it may take even longer to recover. Your doctor will put a splint on your wrist and you will undergo physical therapy to heal and strengthen the wrist and hand.
A chiropractor may be able to offer treatment recommendations that are less invasive without the long recovery time. Chiropractic treatment deals with the pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome as well adjustments to the elbow and spine.
Other treatment options may include bracing or splinting or steroid injections.
Proving that your carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a workplace injury is on the the shoulders of the employee. States are divided as to whether to compensate carpal tunnel syndrome as an occupational disease or an accident. It is important to know the information in your state because it will determine what you have to prove to be able to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
If the state where you live describes carpal tunnel syndrome as an occupational disease, you, as an employee, have to prove you experienced a higher level of exposure to the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome than the general population.
Understanding the workers’ compensation insurance program in your state regarding carpal tunnel syndrome will determine if the pain you are suffering because of the work that you do can be indemnified through workers’ compensation.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Workers Comp NY for their insight into workers compensation.
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