In this article on Barbers Health Doc, Robert Dunsdon, BA, BSc, MMCA, explores “one of the most common conditions in the industry: wrist pain.” For decades, barbers and cosmetologists have been plagued by wrist conditions such as RSI and carpel tube syndrome.
The carpel tunnel is a small opening at the base of the hand and wrist. Nerves run through this opening from your neck to your arms and hands. This is why neck and shoulder problems can cause muscle weakness in the hands and wrists. If you are unsure of the cause of your symptoms, it is always best to consult a chiropractor or other health care professional to find out.
How to spot the first signs of carpal tunnel symptoms
Pain occurs in the fingers with or without numbness. I have pins and needles in my hands that make it difficult to grasp.
Symptoms often begin slowly and may be worse at night. A simple self-test to check if you may have carpel tunneling is the reference test.
Repetitive stress injury (RSI) is a general term used to describe pain felt in muscles, nerves, and tendons caused by repetitive motion or overuse.
Also known as work-related upper extremity disorder or non-specific upper extremity pain.
This condition primarily affects areas of the upper body, including:
forearm and elbow
wrist and hand
neck and shoulders
Symptoms of RSI can range from mild to severe and usually develop gradually. Often includes:
At first, you may only notice symptoms when performing certain repetitive movements.
However, without treatment, RSI symptoms can eventually become constant and cause long-term pain. There may also be swelling in the affected area, which may last for several months.
If you develop symptoms of carpal tunnel or RSI, see your doctor.