Nearly everyone fits one of these categories:
[Compiled from the Bureau of Labor and NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health]

KITCHEN WORK

Wrist pain from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) affects over 8 million Americans. It's the #1 reported medical problem accounting for about half of all work-related injuries. Up to 36% of all CTS patients require ongoing medical treatment, and only 23% of CTS surgeries result in patients being able to return to their previous jobs.

With America's increasingly aging population, day-to-day activities become more focused on computer use (emails, Internet site navigation and searches and games). Repetitive wrist movements tax aging bones and muscles and account for CTS and frequent wrist pain injuries.

HOUSEWORK

KEYBOARD USE

A New York Times feature story (10/23/05) reports children as young as nine logging 6 1/2 hours a day of screen time, and cites significant increase in teenager use of computers and video games requiring repetitive wrist movement.

Repetitive use injuries including wrist pain from CTS account for the biggest proportion of Workers' Comp injuries. The U.S. Department of Labor has called it America's chief occupational hazard.

KIDS AT PLAY

SWEET DREAMS

Women account for roughly half the workforce, but experience nearly two-thirds of all work-related repetitive strain injuries, and are twice as likely as male counterparts to develop CTS. Women between ages 40-60, and pregnant and menopausal women, as well as those taking birth control pills are at elevated risk for CTS.