According to Wikipedia, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) “is a median entrapment neuropathy that causes paresthesia, pain, numbness, and other symptoms in the distribution of the median nerve due to its compression at the wrist in the carpal tunnel.”
In other words, CTS hurts, and CTS pain usually radiates from the palm or the wrist. CTS is not fully understood. It seems to be a result of both inherited and environmental factors. Several of those factors are heavy manual work or work with vibrating tools. There is, however, sometimes dispute in individual cases regarding the role of lighter, repetitive tasks in causing CTS. Long-term CTS often results in severe nerve damage with constant numbness, along with weakness and the atrophy of the hand, wrist, and thumb muscles. The physical pain endured by CTS sufferers is described as a numbness that is sometimes powerfully intense.
As of 2010, 8% of American workers had suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome. CTS rates were slightly higher among females (as opposed to males) and slightly higher among older workers (over 45 as opposed to under 45). Among recent workers, 67% of current carpal tunnel syndrome cases were attributed to work-related causes. At the time of the study, 3.1 million cases of workers suffering CTS had been reported in the U.S.
While CTS has a number of possible causes and potential treatments, one fact remains certain: CTS prevents thousands from working reliably long-term, and anyone diagnosed with CTS may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. If you suspect that you have acquired Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or if you’ve been diagnosed with CTS, it’s imperative that you speak immediately with a Social Security disability attorney.
CTS can sometimes be difficult to demonstrate; you’ll need an experienced SSD lawyer who is familiar with CTS. A good SSD attorney will help you compile the evidence and testimony you’ll need to win the compensation you deserve. If you suffer from CTS or from any other condition that impairs your ability to work, speak to a good SSD lawyer today. You may already be passing up benefits that are legally yours.