According to Dr John Zenian who initiated the study, wrist pain or carpal tunnel syndrome ,which is one of the most common conditions in Britain, may be caused by repetitive movements during sex resulting in putting extra weight on the wrists.
“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,” informs Dr. John Zenian.
He further continues, “The increase of carpal tunnel syndrome in England that affected the middle-aged and the elderly can be attributed to the introduction of erectile dysfunction therapy in England in the late nineties.”
Understanding Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve running from the forearm into the hand gets pressed or squeezed at the wrist and this causes pain, weakness or numbness in the wrist.
Symptoms of the condition also range from regular burning or itching in the palm of the hand and the fingers to causing a decrease in grip strength.
The syndrome is caused in one out of every 20 people and is one of the most prevalent strain injuries causing 5.4 million sick days in a year.
Scientists have not been able to detect the exact cause of the carpal tunnel syndrome till now, and repetitive wrist movement, using vibrating hand tools or too much use of the keyboard and mouse are some of the supposed causing agents for the condition.
But the new study has completely brought in a different outlook and has blamed lovemaking, which involves putting weight on the wrists repeatedly, for the pain.
Supporters of the research
Sammy Margo, a physiotherapist, says, “This is entirely plausible. Research does show that we are having a lot more sex than we used to and people are trying different positions.”
“The missionary position puts a lot of pressure on the wrists of the individual on top. That can result in an over-straining and stretching and even tearing of tissue which could contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome,” he adds.
The study also suggests that obesity that is found in majority of the people nowadays can lead to putting of even more weight on the wrists while having sex.
Practicing different movements and not exerting too much pressure on the wrist while making love has been suggested by the researchers, keeping in mind the present study.
The present study titled ‘The role of sexual intercourse in the etiology of carpal tunnel syndrome’ has been published in the January issue of the journal Medical Hypotheses.
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