How a Pinched Nerve Chiropractor Can Help Sufferers of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Thursday, 24 February 2011 16:55

Carpal Tunnel Symptoms:

The most common symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness and/or tingling on the palm side of the thumb, index and middle fingers. This numbness and tingling can be more pronounced during sleep, especially in the early morning hours. Fine-tuned movements of the thumb, index and middle fingers can become difficult. In severe cases, the muscles controlling the thumb become smaller and weak. Contact a pinched nerve chiropractor to help identify if you have carpal tunnel, or if you believe you suffer from carpal tunnel symptoms.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

The most common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is prolonged, repetitive movements of the wrist and hand, especially when the wrist is bent, such as with typing. Trauma from fractures, dislocations of the wrist and injuries leading to scar tissue can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome, however this is much less common than repetitive overuse. Pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes can also cause swelling, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Background Information

The carpal tunnel is the area of the wrist between the eight bones of the wrist, known as the carpal bones, and the transverse carpal ligament which lies on the palm side of the wrist, connecting the outermost carpal bones and forming a “tunnel”. Passing through the carpal tunnel is the median nerve, which provides sensation on the palm side of the thumb, index and middle fingers, along with sensation to half of the ring finger, and muscle strength to the thumb. Also passing through the carpal tunnel are tendons connecting the muscles of the forearm to the fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve passing through the carpal tunnel becomes compressed and/or irritated. This compression is most often caused by swelling of the median nerve, nearby tendons or both, secondary to excessive friction in the carpal tunnel. A pinched nerve chiropractor can identify the specific cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Pinched Nerve Chiropractor Approach to Carpal Tunnel

Treatment typically involves gentle chiropractic manipulation of the wrist bones to reduce pressure and restore mobility in the carpal tunnel. This is coupled with passive manual traction (pulling on the wrist in an axial direction) performed to ease the swelling away. Modalities such as muscle stimulation, cold laser, ice or heat can speed the healing time. Flexibility, exercise rehabilitation along with education regarding proper ergonomic use of the hands is important to stabilize the condition and minimize it’s chance of returning once resolved.

Other Treatment Options:

Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome include splinting (bracing) of the wrist (especially at night), use of NSAID’S or anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections and surgical procedures for severe cases to increase the space where the median nerve passes through the tunnel. Contact a pinched nerve chiropractor to learn more about treating carpal tunnel syndrome.