After two months, those given the yoga-based interventions had better grip strength and fewer aches than individuals given a wrist splint.
When office workers spend enough time typing at a keyboard, they may develop a painful and debilitating condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Now, scientific research has suggested that yoga-based exercises may contribute to effective pain management for the syndrome.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association determined that eight weeks spent using yoga to soothe the joints of the wrists and arms can significantly reduce the pain caused by CTS.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine came to this conclusion after testing the effects of such a regimen on 42 working or retired individuals with the wrist condition. The participants' ages ranged from 24 to 77.
After two months, those given the yoga-based interventions had better grip strength and fewer aches than individuals given a wrist splint.
CTS is a repetitive stress disorder that occurs when inflamed wrist tendons squeeze the median nerve, causing severe pain and swelling. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimates that three in every 10,000 U.S. employees loses time at work to CTS.
