Causes of Hand Tingling in Visual Display Terminal Workers

OBJECTIVE: To offer the basic data about the causes and distribution of hand tingling, symptoms and physical findings, and pressure pain threshold in desk workers. METHODS: Five physiatrists participated in the screening test composed of history and physical examination. A total of 876 desk workers were evaluated and of them 37 subjects with hand tingling were selected. For further analyzing, detailed history taking and meticulous physical examination were taken. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) at the infraspinatus, upper trapezius, flexor carpi radialis, rhomboideus, and flexor pollicis longus were examined. PPT measurements were repeated three times with two minute intervals by a pressure algometer. Electrodiagnostic study was done to detect potential neurologic abnormalities. RESULTS: The causes of hand tingling in order of frequency were: myofascial pain syndrome, 68%; cervical radiculopathy, 27%; rotator cuff syndrome, 11%; tenosynovitis, 8%; and carpal tunnel syndrome, 5%. The location of trigger points in the myofascial pain syndrome, which were proven to evoke a tingling sensation to the hand in order of frequency were: infraspinatus, 65.4%; upper trapezius, 57.7%; flexor carpi radialis, 38.5%; rhomboideus 15.4%; and flexor pollicis longus 11.5%. The PPT of the affected side was significantly lower than that of the unaffected side in myofascial pain syndrome (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The most common cause of hand tingling in desk workers was myofascial pain syndrome rather than carpal tunnel syndrome. Common trigger points to evoke hand tingling were in the infraspinatus and upper trapezius.

Effects of Thoracic Spinal Exercise Program in VDT Workers: Pain Relief and Increased Flexibility / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study of the Thoracic Spinal Exercise Program was to evaluate its effects on VDT workers. These effects were found to include a decrease thoracic kyphosis, increase thoracic spine mobility and decrease in the VAS (visual analog scale). These measures provide a means of assessing the muscle endurance and muscle strength of the subjects. METHODS: This study was conducted during the period from July 1 to August 31, 2003, and involved 58 VDT workers belonging to a company located in Seoul who were working seated in front of a computer for most of the day. After applying the thoracic exercise program, we examined the changes in the of thoracic kyphosis angle, spinal length (C7-S3), TFED (thoracic flexibility in the extension direction), MEBH (maximal elevation with both hands in the overhead direction) and CE (chest expansion). RESULTS: Obtained f om this study are as follows. 1. A significant reduction in the VAS was observed in the exercise group (pre-exercise 5.90 +/- 0.88 points, post-exercise 4.23+/- 0.82 points), as compared with the control group (pre-exercise 6.00+/-0.90 points, post-exercise 5.93+/-0.81 points). 2. A significant reduction in thoracic kyphosis (pre-exercise 36.97+/-7.49, post-exercise 31.83 +/-5.90) and a significant increase in thoracic flexibility in the extension direction (pre-exercise 7 . 4 7+/-2.30, post-exercise 11.77+/-3.65) were observed in the exercise group. The thoracic kyphosis angle showed a significant reduction in the exercise group, as compared to the control group. The thoracic flexibility in the extension direction showed a significant increase in the exercise group, as compared to the control group. 3. There was a significant increase in the spinal length in the exercise group (pre-exercise 494 +/-27.66 mm, post-exercise 518.60+/-27.95 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The Thoracic Spinal Exercise Program results in an increase in thoracic spine mobility and a decrease in pain. In practical terms, the effects of the exercise program are good health and posture.