Repetitive
strain injuries are the nation's most common and costly occupational
health problem.
They are the fastest growing category of work-related illness. Nearly
two-thirds of all occupational illnesses reported were caused by
exposure to repeated trauma to workers upper body (the wrist, elbow
or shoulder). One common example of such an ergonomic injury is
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Musculoskeletal disorders, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, are
among the most prevalent medical conditions in the U.S. They account
for 14% of physician visits and 19% of hospital stays. 62% of the
persons with musculoskeletal disorders report some degree of limitation
on activity.
*Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome is the #1 reported medical problem, accounting for
about 50% of all work-related injuries. It
also results in the highest number of days lost among all work related
injuries. The U.S. Department of Labor has concluded that Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome is the "chief occupational hazard of the 90's"
- disabling workers in epidemic proportions.
849,000
new cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occur annually. Currently, it
affects over 8-million Americans. Presently,
25% of all computer operators have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Women
are twice as likely to develop Carpal Tunnel as opposed to their
male counterparts. Approximately
260,000 Carpal Tunnel release operations are performed each year,
with 47% of the cases considered to be work related.
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