Carpal tunnel and sonography

Hi,

I am considering going to school for sonography, but I have been reading a lot of things about sonography causing repetitive stress injuries and people having to quit because of it. I have carpal tunnel syndrome already, which is not too bad if I don't have to do the same thing for long at a time. However it sounds like in sonography you have to tightly grasp the transducer for long periods of time, often at awkward angles. I have even seen info on a handout for the sonography program from a school (not my local school) warning that people with a RSI may find the condition is exacerbated by going into sonography. I don't want to go to school for a field where I will have to quit in six months due to wrist pain.

Have things improved at all in sonography due to ergonomic equipment and more reasonable opportunities to take breaks? Or are things as bad as I have been led to believe, with employers not buying ergonomic equipment, and working sonographers too hard till they have to leave the profession due to injury?

Any advice would be appreciated. I'm not sure I can trust the people running the local program to give an honest answer since it is new and they are trying to build it up.

Thanks.

If you're quitting in six months due to wrist pain, you're doing it wrong.

Yes, there is an elevated risk of carpal tunnel/RSI in the ultrasound field. You need to learn how to handle the transducers properly, how to properly lift, how to push things, etc, etc.

I don't know what all hospitals are like, but mine is definitely pushing for ergonomic everything. They bought us ergonomic chairs, keyboards, even transducers. And I've had to go to three inservice meetings in the past year about avoiding injury on the job and the importance of proper posture and lifting.

Wow, "James in Lakeland, Florida" read my mind exactly! I have the same problem and the same question.

Personally I think that your condition will be aggravated by ultrasound. I have been scanning for 4 yrs and have pain in my wrist and scanning shoulder; and I am at the beginning of my career! I wouldn't recommend this field for you. Also, it depends on the hospital/doctor's office you would work for as far as how cooperative they are. Yes, some hospitals do push for ergonomic equipment, however, my particular hospital unfortunately doesn't want to invest in the extra expense. About nine months ago they brought someone in to tell us how to cope with the strains of ultrasound on the body... to take breaks, do different excercises in between patients. Two weeks later, they changed the ultrasound schedule by cutting down the length of appt times so we scan more patients a day and fit in 30 more patients a week. We never get a break in the day and certainly dont have time between patients to rest our shoulder or wrists!! Unfortunately, it comes down to a profit for the hospital most of the time.
I can't speak for everyone but I hope my experience helps you with your decision. I think the info you have gathered already is very accurate and should be seriously considered.

Thanks very much for your input. I think another field would be best for me, one where I can vary my activities (spending a portion of each day on the phone, reading, in meetings etc.) and have some control over break times.

Hello.
I just joined the forum. I was reading some comments by other members and totally loved the cooperation and interactions going on :)
I live in los angeles area and looking for a job in clinics or imaging centers within 40 or so miles of LA. I got laid off and have 3 years plus experience in a hospital. RDMS. I really appreciate any advice or recommendation. Thank you.