Can Chiropractic Help Carpal Tunnel Pain?
Thursday, April 30th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
Introduction
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome falls into the category of neurological conditions referred to as nerve entrapment disorders and is by far the most well-known of these disorders. As the term “nerve entrapment” implies, these disorders present when a nerve is trapped or compressed between body tissues creating inflammation and impairment of the nerve.
Anatomy
The carpal tunnel is positioned in the underside of the wrist and is a passageway in which the median nerve travels through on its way to innervate the hand and fingers. In addition to the median nerve, the carpal tunnel is comprised of the nine tendons of the forearm muscles that are responsible for bending and flexing of the fingers and thumb. There are also arteries and lymphatic vessels that provide circulation to the hand located within the tunnel. Wrist bones form the bottom and sides of the tunnel, while the top is shaped by the transverse carpal ligament, a robust band of connective tissue. The diameter of the carpal tunnel is about the same as the index finger making the carpal tunnel a jam-packed space. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are expected to glide easily past each other during wrist and finger movement.
If the tendon size increases from inflammation or hypertrophy (growth), or if the carpal tunnel size shrinks because of a mechanical dysfunction of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become squeezed or entrapped by the carpal tunnel. The initial symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome commonly include pain, numbness, paraesthesia (pins and needles) and tingling in the fingers and hands especially the thumb and adjacent two fingers. The symptoms are markedly apparent at night, often awakening the sufferer from sleep and making it necessary for the person to “shake out” or rub the hands in an attempt to relieve the unpleasant sensations. The hands can also feel inept, weak and fatigue easily with activity. Over time, the ability to grip small objects using the thumb and fingers can be affected dramatically and if left untreated, can lead to total dysfunction of the hand.
Some prevailing causes and associated conditions are:
- repetitive and forceful grasping with the hands
- prolonged computer usage especially with poor wrist position
- activities that require repetitive bending of the wrist
- broken or dislocated bones in the wrist which produce swelling
- arthritis, especially the rheumatoid type
- thyroid gland imbalance
- sugar diabetes
- hormonal changes associated with menopause or pregnancy
Although any of the above can make one susceptible to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, in many cases the cause is unknown. Nevertheless, those who work with equipment that vibrates and/or perform their jobs in extreme temperatures often develop carpal tunnel symptoms. Even household activities as simple as repetitive wringing clothes by hand can help cause this syndrome. However, the continuing increase in computer use is the most compelling explanation for the number of individuals who are suffering with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome today. This is becoming a major concern in the developed world where people of all ages are spending much of their time typing on a keyboard & clicking on a mouse.
Treatment
Proper diagnosis and management of this condition is essential in order to curtail the disabling symptoms associated with the advancement of CTS. I as, a Ventura Chiropractor has many years of experience in this area. Chiropractors are well-trained in treating CTS. In addition to chiropractic adjustments of the wrist joints, treatment by chiropractor may include inflammation reduction therapy such as ultrasound or low level laser. Electromusclestim can often help to strengthen the weak muscles of the forearm and soft tissue massage is effective in stretching contracted tissues. You might be advised to wear a splint or support, especially at night, to help retain the wrist in a neutral position to decompress the carpal tunnel. Your Ventura Chiropractor will also give you specific exercises to stretch and/or strengthen muscles of the forearm and hand.
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