I have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome in both my left and right arms. I've been a truck driver for 15 years -- both my family doctor and my orthopaedic surgeon related the CTS to my occupation. I applied for workers comp, it was approved by the BWC, but contested by a third party administrator. The Industrial Commission denied my claim on the basis that the CTS is NOT an occupational injury; it is now on appeal. I would like to find out statistics on the frequency of CTS to truck drivers. I have data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics from 1997, but would like something more up to date and closer to the problem -- in other words, real life!
Thanks for your help.
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I believe carpal tunnel syndrome is _usually_ job related. For example my brother-in-law who is a machinist had surgery for it and no problem with workmans comp. Same for my bosses secratary. I'll try to find some specific examples of other drivers being covered. The only problem I can think of is if you have some underlying medical condition that could contribute.
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Chilly sez:
I have data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics from 1997, but would like something more up to date and closer to the problem -- in other words, real life!
Here is a web site that you can refer to in order to find out some of the causes of , or
The first site explains that CTS can be caused by "long distance driving". both sites seem like very credible sources of information on CTS. Good luck.
Erik
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Chilly,
I recently had a similar question. I found some info that you may find helpful in your battle with the insurance company. Please go to www.cdc.gov then click on their search area and type in carpal tunnel syndrome. What you are looking for may be there.
If you are looking for case histories, a medical library would be your best bet. I would try some of the medical college on-line libraries like Georgetown, George Washington University, etc. You may want to include the terms "Occupational medicine, occupational injuries, etc. in your search terms.
I will bet if I ask my old friend Bedspread, he could find a URL for just what you are looking for. I will check with him and forward any info he finds for me.
Keeping you safe, healthy, and on the road.
Nurse RedVisit us at