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WRIST pain is often blamed on excessive computer use or working with heavy machinery.
But a controversial new report has suggested a much saucier explanation - too much SEX.

Repetitive movements during lovemaking puts extra weight on the wrists, says a top medic.

This causes carpal tunnel syndrome and is one of the most common types of wrist problem in the UK.

The syndrome traps nerves, causing pain and numbness and affects as many as one person in 20.

Increases in the number of sufferers coincided with the launch of new drugs such as Viagra, according to the research.

And the obesity epidemic could have fuelled the rise. Extra weight placed on the wrists may have led to more problems, claims the study.

Researcher Dr John Zenian, writing in the journal Medical Hypotheses, says: "Sexual intercourse can explain the increase in the overall incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome seen in recent years, since it is the most widely practised activity that uses both hands at the same time."

"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."

But according to the new report, sexual intercourse can cause the condition because the hands become repeatedly extended under the weight of the body.

Chartered physiotherapist Sammy Margo 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."

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