If you’re developing pain and numbness in your hand and want to blame your keyboard—think again. Despite popular belief, heavy computer use is not a common culprit for carpal tunnel syndrome, which is the pinching or compression of the median nerve through a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist.

Repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome are the most common and costly occupational health problem, affecting hundreds of thousands of Americans and costing more than $20 billion each year in workers compensation.

In the beginning, carpal tunnel syndrome may affect you only at night or when you awake in the morning, and causes a tingling that feels like pins and needles. As it progresses, it may become painful to hold things or drive, and it may be difficult for you to hold things or button your shirt. It can even cause numbness and, over time, cause pain that radiates up the arm all the way to your shoulder.

Did you know women are three times more likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome than men? It could be because the carpal tunnel is smaller in women. Additional risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, hypothyroidism, pregnancy, or a wrist sprain or fracture. Frequent use of vibrating hand tools also increases your risk.

To reduce your risk, focus on good posture, use ergonomic tool and workstations, stretch your hands and wrists regularly, and change your position throughout your work day.

Some conditions can parade as carpal tunnel syndrome—including injury, arthritis, and nerve problems—so it’s important to see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Resting and immobilization are common treatments, as well as medications and surgery.