Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Chiropractic Care

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Repetitive Hand and Wrist Motion

Every day, assembly line workers, keyboard operators, grocery store clerks, and many others, receive microtraumas to their hands and wrists. Vibration and repetitive motions, when combined with spinal problems and other joint dysfunction, can result in a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

How Chiropractic Care May Help

The major nerve controlling the thumb, index, and parts of the middle and ring finger is called the median nerve. From the tip of your fingers, it travels through the bones in your writst, past your elbow, up your arm, through your shoulder and neck, and finally to your spinal cord. Problems can develop in one or more of these areas.

The carpal "tunnel" is formed by bones in the wrist. The median nerve, tendons, and blood vessels pass through this opening. If one or more of the bones forming this tunnel should collapse, inflammation, nerve pressure, and painful symptoms in the in the wrist area can result.

The median nerve connects to the spinal cord through openings between several bones in the lower neck. When these spinal bones lose their normal motion or position, they can cause problems in the fingers and wrist.

After a thorough examination, your chiropractic doctor will perform specific adjustments where needed to help normalize structure and reduce nerve irritation. When given time, conservative, chiropractic care has produced excellent results with carpal tunnel problems - without drugs or surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions about CTS

  • What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects the hands and wrists. The most common early symptoms of CTS are numbness, tingling and burning in the thumb, index and middle fingers - often at night or after manual work.

CTS occurs when a nerve that goes to the hand becomes compressed and inflamed as it passes through a space between the bones in the wrist called the "carpal tunnel."

CTS is commonly caused by repetitive hand movements, and the condition is often found in people who work at computers, grocery checkers, butchers, assembly line workers, and in other occupations requiring heavy use of the hands.

  • Can carpal tunnel syndrome be treated without surgery?

Yes. If detected early, CTS can be treated conservatively. Chiropractic is the leading method of non-surgical treatment of CTS.

  • How does a chiropractor treat carpal tunnel syndrome?

Chiropractic treatment for CTS may use a cobination of:

  1. Rest

  2. Therapies, such as ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.

  3. Manipulation

  4. Nutritional supplements

  5. Electro-acupuncture

  6. Use of a splint to prevent mechanical stress and to protect your wrist(s) during healing.

  7. Special hand and wrist exercises

  8. Removal of the cause: such as redesigning the work place to minimize stress, and avoiding repetitive motion of the wrists and hands.

  • Can I be tested for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Yes. Screening for carpal tunnel syndrome involves a brief history and physical examination. If CTS is suspected, a more thorough exam and additional tests may be recommended to obtain an accurate diagnosis and to rule out other conditions that mimic CTS.

Early detection of CTS is critical to treatment!