Officer workers urged to do 60-second check for common health problem that can have massive impact

Here is a super simple test which takes just 60 seconds and could reveal if you're suffering from a common health problem.

Modern technology such as smartphones and computers has improved our lives, but our excessive connectivity is something which one part of our wrists and hands won't be thanking us for.

Phrases such as 'smartphone hand' and 'texting claw' have been coined in the past couple of years to refer to the strain placed on our digits.

When it comes to people who spend several hours a day tapping away at computers, carpal tunnel syndrome is something you're at a very real risk of developing.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

According to the NHS, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition which occurs when the median nerve of the wrist is compressed.

Symptoms of CTS typically include an ache or pain in your fingers, hand or arm, as well as a tingling or 'pins and needles' sensation in the same area, numb hands, and reduced grip strength.

CTS was previously caused by wrist injuries, diabetes and pregnancy - however, the condition is increasingly being associated with office workers due to the fact that they spend around seven to eight hours a day tapping away on keyboards.

Treatments for CTS include painkillers, wrist exercises, and wearing a support brace. Severe cases can potentially need surgical intervention.

How to tell if you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome

If you're worried that you may be suffering from CTS, there is a very simple test you can do right away, which doesn't involve the use of any medical equipment.

Sharing the test via his TikTok account, US-based doctor Dr Myro Figura explained that placing the backs of both your hands together (while pointing down) and holding the position for 60 seconds - adding that it was the 'number one test' for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Figura went on to explain that anyone who experiences pain, tingling or numbness in their first three fingers (thumb, index and middle) may have the condition.

Going on to explain how the test - which is referred to clinically as Phalen's manoeuvre or Phalen's test - works, he continued: "The reason why that works is because Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is impingement of median nerve at the wrist. This motion puts pressure on the nerve and that nerve innovates these three fingers."

Thankfully, there's plenty of advice out there on the internet on how to make adjustments for CTS caused by office work, which includes using a wrist support, an ergonomic keyboard, adjusting your chair to allow for proper wrist alignment and taking breaks to stretch your wrists and hands.