Ann Rehabil Med.  2013 Apr;37(2):221-228. 10.5535/arm.2013.37.2.221.

Causes of Hand Tingling in Visual Display Terminal Workers

• Oh S
• Kim HK
• Kwak J
• Kim T
• Jang SH
• Lee KH
• Kim MJ
• Park SB
• Han SH

• KMID: 2165774
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2013.37.2.221

Abstract

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.

Keyword

Hand tingling; Myofascial pain syndromes; VDT workers; Pressure pain threshold

MeSH Terms

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Hand
Mass Screening
Myofascial Pain Syndromes
Pain Threshold
Physical Examination
Radiculopathy
Rotator Cuff
Sensation
Tenosynovitis
Trigger Points

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