CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects the wrist and hand. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel. Some signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

  1. Numbness or tingling in the fingers: One of the most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is a tingling or numbness sensation in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. The sensation may extend up the forearm and into the shoulder.

  2. Pain or discomfort in the wrist or hand: Pain in the wrist and hand is another common symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. The pain may be dull and achy or sharp and shooting. It may also be felt in the forearm.

  3. Weakness in the hand: As carpal tunnel syndrome progresses, you may experience weakness in the hand, making it difficult to grip objects or perform fine motor tasks like buttoning a shirt or typing.

  4. Worsening symptoms at night: Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome experience worsened symptoms at night. This can disrupt sleep and make it difficult to perform daily activities.

  5. Swelling in the fingers: In some cases, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause swelling in the fingers, especially the index and middle fingers.

  6. Difficulty with fine motor tasks: Carpal tunnel syndrome can make it difficult to perform fine motor tasks that require hand and finger dexterity, such as playing a musical instrument or doing needlework.

Chiropractic Care & Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Chiropractors focus on restoring proper alignment to the spine and joints, and they may use various techniques to improve nerve function and reduce inflammation in the affected area.

Some of the techniques that a chiropractor may use to treat carpal tunnel syndrome include:

  1. Neurology-based Adjustments: Chiropractors may use neural adjustments to help relieve pressure on the median nerve and reduce inflammation in the musculature of the forearm and hands. The median nerve innervations run from the C5-T1 nerve roots in the spinal column.

  2. Soft tissue therapy: Chiropractors may use massage, myofascial release, or other soft tissue techniques to improve circulation and reduce inflammation in the affected area.

  3. Exercise and stretching: Chiropractors may recommend specific exercises and stretches to help improve wrist and hand strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

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Sources

  1. American Chiropractic Association: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome

  2. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet

  3. Mayo Clinic: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355603

  4. Spine-Health: Chiropractic Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/chiropractic-treatments-carpal-tunnel-syndrome