I’m working my way through Dr. Scott Fried’s Carpal Tunnel Helpbook (I’ll post a review when I’m done). I’m reading the chapter on nerve sliding (also called nerve gliding). These are simple stretching exercises that can help prevent nerve scarring (can result when the nerve isn’t able to slide through the surrounding tissues as it should) and subsequent inflammation which is at the root of repetitive strain injuries like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
There are several stretches that focus on the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck. These can be used as part of a preventative program or to help avoid permanent scarring; if some damage has been done, the book suggests it may be possible to reverse it through a stretching program and improvement of the work area, posture, etc.
I suggest reading more before starting a program (both The Carpal Tunnel Helpbook and It’s Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome… explain further and demonstrate these exercises with pictures) if you’re interested, and definitely see a doctor if you’re experiencing pain. I did manage to find one site that can give you an idea what nerve gliding is, though, and how to perform the exercises: