Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful progressive condition caused by compression of a key nerve in the wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. Symptoms usually start gradually, with pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day, and decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks. In some cases no direct cause of the syndrome can be identified. Most likely the disorder is due to a congenital predisposition - the carpal tunnel is simply smaller in some people than in others. However, the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome is especially common in those performing assembly line work, keyboard operators, grocery store clerks and many others.

Carpal Tunnel Keyboard Operator

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 wrist, 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 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, our doctors 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.

HOW CHIROPRACTIC HELP?

A number of recent studies have shown that chiropractic care can provide relief from the pain of fibromyalgia. Because chiropractic addresses the whole patient, it offers a combination of specialized treatments, including:

Spinal manipulation to relieve pressure on nerves

Trigger Point Therapy – Strategically applied pressure to pain-sensitive points in the body,

Acupuncture and Massage to ease muscle tension

Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and increase endurance.

We often work with your current doctor to formulate a treatment plan that is right for you. As pain decreases and strength improves, so does the ability to function more actively in all areas of life. The resulting sense of well-being can do much to reduce depression, anxiety, and improve the patient’s ability to participate more fully in life.

If you or a loved one suffers from chronic pain accompanied with fatigue or depression, we invite you to give chiropractic care a try. It just may be the relief you have been looking for.