Got Carpal Tunnel? Sex May Be To Blame

Posted on January 25, 2010 by Lolita Carrico

A new study is blaming an increase in carpal tunnel syndrome — a condition which causes wrist pain as well as weakness in the hand and fingers — on sex. And all this time we thought it was the rise in computer usage.

As many as 1 in 20 people are affected by carpal tunnel syndrome and some researchers think it’s due to increased use of Viagra and other sex aids which increase…activity. Sex puts more weight on the wrists thanks to the repetitive movements during the deed, so it’s likely to weaken the area. Researchers also place blame on the obesity epidemic, which increases the weight burden on our fragile wrists.

Lead researcher Dr. John Zenian explained it best: “Sexual intercourse can explain the increase in the overall incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome seen in recent years, since it is the most widely practiced activity that uses both hands at the same time.”