What is a common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome in programmers?

A common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome in programmers is poor workstation ergonomics. This refers to the setup of the workspace, including the position of the keyboard, mouse, and monitor, as well as chair height and overall posture while working. When the workstation is not ergonomically designed, it can lead to prolonged strain on the wrists and hands, increasing the risk of developing conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, which is characterized by compression of the median nerve in the wrist.

Proper ergonomics include maintaining a neutral wrist position, ensuring that the keyboard and mouse are at an appropriate height, and using supportive seating. By optimizing these factors, programmers can reduce the likelihood of experiencing discomfort and long-term repetitive strain injuries.

While taking breaks and managing screen time are also important in preventing physical strain, and while using keyboard shortcuts may contribute to repetitive motion, the foundation lies in how the workstation is set up and used.