• Published on: Mar 16, 2022
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Diagnosis, Prevention & Treatment

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Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that causes pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and arm. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that protects the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand. CTS occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed or pinched as it passes through the carpal tunnel. This compression can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. CTS is a common condition that affects millions of people each year. Treatment for CTS often includes splinting, physical therapy, steroid injections, and surgery.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an ailment that can result from the repetitive motion of the wrist, which puts pressure on the median nerve. This condition can cause tingling, numbness, and pain in the affected hand and fingers. In severe cases, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to muscle weakness and loss of function in the hand. If you think you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, it's important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention is often key to preventing long-term damage. It causes pain and numbness in the hand and arm. The carpal tunnel is a narrow, ligament-covered passageway in the wrist. It protects the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand. The median nerve controls movement and feeling in the thumb and first two fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including inflammation or injury to the ligaments or tendons in the wrist, pregnancy, weight gain, diabetes, and thyroid problems. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, weakness, and pain in the hand and wrist that radiates up into the arm. Treatment for CTS includes rest, splinting, exercises, and surgery.

Some people are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than others. Factors that may increase your risk include:

- Being female: Women are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men.

- Having diabetes: People with diabetes are at an increased risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

- Obesity: Carrying excess weight around your waist can place added pressure on the nerves in your hands and wrists, increasing your risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.

It is a medical condition that results from compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This compression can cause numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand and fingers.

The most common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive hand motions (such as typing), but it can also be caused by pregnancy, obesity, arthritis, or a cyst or tumor. The best way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome is to avoid doing activities that put your hands in a position where they are likely to be compressed. Treatment options include resting your hands, wearing a splint or brace, taking medication, or having surgery. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a type of repetitive strain injury that affects the hands and wrists. It's caused by repetitive use of the hands and wrists, such as when you type on a computer keyboard or use a screwdriver.

The main symptoms are pain, tingling, and numbness in the fingers. These symptoms can be very frustrating and can make it difficult to do everyday tasks.

There is no one definitive treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, but there are many things that you can do to help relieve your symptoms. These include taking breaks from activities that aggravate your symptoms, using splints or braces to support your wrists, and taking medication prescribed by your doctor. There is no one definitive test for carpal tunnel syndrome; diagnosis is based on your symptoms and a physical examination. 

The most common symptoms are numbness and tingling in the hand and forearm, although pain, weakness, and atrophy can also occur. The syndrome is caused by a variety of factors, including repetitive motions (such as typing), pregnancy, obesity, and arthritis. There is no one definitive treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome; options include rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, surgery, and physical therapy.

Most people with carpal tunnel syndrome are treated with non-surgical measures such as braces or splints to keep the wrists in a neutral position, medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, or injections of cortisone into the carpal tunnel. If these measures don't relieve symptoms, surgery may be recommended.

The main symptoms of CTS are numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers. These symptoms may be worse at night and may wake you up from sleep. You may also have pain in your hand and wrist, weakness in your hand, or difficulty gripping things.

There is no one definitive test for diagnosing CTS. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition affecting the hands and wrists. Symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands. The condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which passes through a small opening in the wrist called the carpal tunnel.

There is no one definitive cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, certain risk factors may increase your likelihood of developing the condition, including Repetitive motions or activities such as typing or sewing

Pregnancy

Smoking

Diabetes mellitus

Some forms of arthritis

There are various treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome depending on its severity. Treatment options may include Wearing a splint or brace to keep the wrist in a neutral position.

Treatments can definitely help relieve symptoms. These treatments include rest, ice packs applied to the wrist, splints to keep the wrist in a neutral position, medication to reduce inflammation and pain relief medication. The main causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are repetitive motions of the hand and wrist, such as those often experienced by people who work with their hands (e.g., cashiers, assembly line workers) or play a stringed instrument regularly. Other causes include pregnancy, obesity, arthritis, and diabetes.

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How Weekly Onsite Yoga Benefits Corporate Wellness: A Preventive Approach to Workplace Health

How Weekly Onsite Yoga Benefits Corporate Wellness: A Preventive Approach to Workplace Health

Corporate wellness programs are evolving rapidly. Traditional initiatives such as annual health checkups and gym memberships are no longer sufficient to address modern workplace health challenges. Rising stress levels, sedentary routines and burnout have pushed organisations to adopt preventive, sustainable wellness strategies. One of the most effective among these is weekly onsite yoga.

Understanding how onsite yoga weekly benefits corporate wellness highlights why this ancient practice has become a modern workplace necessity. Yoga addresses both physical and mental health, making it uniquely suited for today’s high-pressure corporate environments.

 

Why Corporate Wellness Needs Preventive Solutions

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and workplace health reports, lifestyle-related disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and mental health conditions are increasingly affecting working professionals.

Key workplace health challenges include:

  • prolonged sitting
     

  • poor posture
     

  • chronic stress
     

  • sleep disturbances
     

  • reduced physical activity
     

Preventive interventions are essential to reverse these trends before they result in chronic disease and productivity loss.

 

What Is Weekly Onsite Yoga?

Weekly onsite yoga involves structured yoga sessions conducted at the workplace by trained instructors. These sessions typically include:

  • stretching and mobility exercises
     

  • breathing techniques
     

  • simple yoga postures
     

  • relaxation and mindfulness practices
     

Sessions are designed to be inclusive, requiring no prior yoga experience.

 

Why Weekly Frequency Matters

Consistency is the foundation of wellness.

Weekly yoga sessions:

  • reinforce healthy habits
     

  • prevent accumulation of stress
     

  • support gradual physical improvement
     

  • encourage long-term participation
     

Unlike one-time workshops, weekly programs deliver sustained impact.

 

Physical Health Benefits of Onsite Yoga

Reduces Musculoskeletal Problems

Desk-based work often leads to back pain, neck stiffness and joint discomfort. Yoga improves:

  • posture
     

  • flexibility
     

  • muscle strength
     

This reduces work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

 

Improves Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

Regular yoga practice supports:

  • blood pressure regulation
     

  • improved circulation
     

  • better glucose control
     

WHO recognises yoga and similar mind-body practices as beneficial for lifestyle disease prevention.

 

Enhances Energy Levels

Yoga improves oxygenation and circulation, reducing fatigue and mid-day energy crashes.

 

Mental Health Benefits in the Workplace

Reduces Stress and Burnout

Yoga lowers cortisol levels and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation.

This helps employees:

  • manage deadlines calmly
     

  • recover from mental fatigue
     

  • reduce anxiety
     

Improves Focus and Cognitive Performance

Breathing and mindfulness practices improve:

  • attention span
     

  • mental clarity
     

  • decision-making
     

Better focus directly translates into improved productivity.

 

Supports Emotional Wellbeing

Regular yoga enhances emotional regulation, reducing irritability and improving workplace relationships.

 

Impact on Productivity and Performance

Healthy employees perform better.

Weekly onsite yoga contributes to:

  • reduced absenteeism
     

  • fewer stress-related sick days
     

  • improved work engagement
     

  • sustained productivity
     

EY-FICCI corporate wellness studies show that preventive wellness programs deliver measurable performance benefits.

 

Role in Building a Wellness-Oriented Culture

Onsite yoga sends a strong message that employee wellbeing is a priority.

It helps organisations:

  • foster trust and engagement
     

  • encourage work-life balance
     

  • create a supportive environment
     

Wellness culture improves retention and employer branding.

 

Inclusivity and Accessibility

One of yoga’s biggest strengths is adaptability.

Onsite yoga:

  • suits all age groups
     

  • accommodates different fitness levels
     

  • requires minimal equipment
     

  • can be modified for health conditions
     

This inclusivity ensures broad participation.

 

Cost-Effectiveness and ROI

Compared to advanced medical interventions, onsite yoga is:

  • low-cost
     

  • scalable
     

  • preventive rather than reactive
     

By reducing long-term healthcare costs, yoga delivers high return on investment for employers.

 

Yoga as Part of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare focuses on reducing risk factors before disease develops.

Weekly onsite yoga supports prevention by:

  • lowering stress-related disease risk
     

  • improving metabolic health
     

  • encouraging active lifestyles
     

  • supporting mental resilience
     

NITI Aayog recognises workplace wellness as a key lever for national health improvement.

 

Integration with Corporate Wellness Programs

Onsite yoga works best when integrated with:

  • preventive health checkups
     

  • stress management initiatives
     

  • nutrition education
     

  • digital health tracking
     

Integrated programs deliver stronger outcomes than isolated activities.

 

Overcoming Common Barriers

Some organisations hesitate due to:

  • time constraints
     

  • perceived lack of interest
     

  • space concerns
     

However, short, well-structured sessions (30–45 minutes) overcome these challenges effectively.

 

Long-Term Impact on Organisations

Organisations that adopt weekly onsite yoga observe:

  • healthier workforce
     

  • reduced burnout
     

  • improved morale
     

  • better long-term healthcare outcomes
     

Lancet workplace health studies show that consistent mind-body interventions yield benefits within 6–12 months.

 

Conclusion

Understanding how onsite yoga weekly benefits corporate wellness reveals why it is more than a fitness activity—it is a preventive health strategy. By addressing physical strain, mental stress and lifestyle risks, weekly onsite yoga supports healthier employees, stronger productivity and sustainable wellness culture. In today’s demanding corporate environment, investing in regular yoga sessions is an investment in long-term organisational resilience and success.

References

  • ICMR – Workplace Health and Lifestyle Disease Reports

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Adult Health and Stress Indicators

  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Workplace Wellness Strategy

  • WHO – Physical Activity, Yoga and Mental Health Guideline

  •  Lancet – Mind-Body Interventions and Workplace Health Outcomes

  • EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Productivity Report

  •  Statista – Corporate Wellness Program Trends India

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