Pain radiating down the arm and numb hands just from working at a computer

    People who sit at a computer for long periods, such as office workers, often have these symptoms. You may notice that while working, your body is far from the computer desk, so you have to reach forward to type. This keeps your arms in a position where the shoulder blade muscles do the same work over and over, until the muscles contract and stay tense without relaxing, forming painful spots (trigger points). These can sometimes cause pain radiating down the arm and hand.

    Some people also get numbness in the palm while working. This is caused by holding the mouse for long periods, which puts pressure on the wrist and also compresses the nerve that passes through the wrist, causing numbness in the palm. The numbness affects the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger. This is called carpal tunnel syndrome. 

    The two conditions often have similar symptoms. You can easily check yourself by pressing the backs of both hands together for 1 minute. If you get numbness in the palm (thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger), you have carpal tunnel syndrome.

Physical therapy treatment

- Shockwave therapy : shockwaves are transmitted into the injured area to stimulate the body's process of repairing and regenerating tissue.

- Ultrasound therapy : helps treat injuries to tendons or tissues and accelerates repair by increasing blood circulation and making connective tissue more flexible, while reducing pain and muscle spasm.

- Electrical stimulation (TENS) : an electrical current stimulates the nerves through the skin to help reduce pain.

- High-power laser therapy : stimulates the nerve endings, inhibiting the pain process and reducing pain, swelling and inflammation.

- Therapeutic exercise

How to reduce your risk

- People with chronic inflammation of the shoulder blade muscles should sit with their body close to the keyboard or mouse, with the arms by the sides rather than reaching forward, use a forearm rest so the muscles do not tense up too much, and stretch regularly.

- People with carpal tunnel syndrome should place a sponge pad under the wrist to reduce pressure on the nerve, and stretch regularly.

Stretch for people with chronic inflammation of the shoulder blade muscles : Raise the affected arm perpendicular to the floor, then hook your other arm around it and pull it towards the opposite shoulder until you feel a stretch but no pain. Hold for 15 seconds, 4 times per set, 3 sets a day.

Stretch for people with carpal tunnel syndrome : Raise the affected arm perpendicular to the floor with your palm facing up, then bend your wrist down until you feel a stretch but no pain. Hold for 15 seconds, 4 times per set, 3 sets a day. 

You can contact Rehab Care Clinic for advice on your health problems from our rehabilitation physicians and specialist physical therapists.

For more information, contact "Rehab Care Clinic"

Address: 423 Phetkasem Road, Bang Wa, Phasi Charoen, Bangkok (inside Kanari Sports Center, before Seacon Bang Khae) ? 061-801-2482 Line ID : @rehabcare