Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a painful, long-term injury that causes most patients to seek medical treatment once they can no longer stand the pain or the feeling of weakness in their hands, fingers, and wrists. People generally will seek the advice of a chiropractor when they are having problems associated with their neck and their back but rarely does one realize the benefits of chiropractic care when it comes to other conditions, namely carpal tunnel syndrome.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpel tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a stress injury related to repetitive motion. For instance, administrative personnel who type all day long or those who work assembly line jobs and do the same motions over and over are susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome which can cause pain and additional injury over time. The term stems from the bones of the wrist which are known as carpal bones and form a tunnel where nerves from the forearm go to the hand. The tendons in the affected area become swollen and leads to a pinched nerve in the carpal tunnel.
What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal tunnel symptoms usually involve numbness or pain in the fingers, hands, and wrist. Tingling sensations, weakness and shooting pains are commonly associated with carpal tunnel. In some patients both wrist will be affected but in others only one wrist will have the symptoms. The pain can be present at all times or in some cases, only during the repetitive motions act. Eventually the pain or lack of feeling can persist even after periods of non-activity and rest.
How Is Carpal Tunnel Diagnosed?
Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome can be done through a physical exam, questions related to work and life habits, and x-rays. For patients experiencing pain in their hands and wrists that radiate into the arm, it is best to seek medical advice as soon as possible. The earlier carpal tunnel is diagnosed, the better the end result will be.
How Can a Chiropractor Treat Carpal Tunnel?
Chiropractic methods are a non-invasive treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome and an alternative for pain relief outside of medications and surgery. In research, chiropractic treatment for carpal tunnel has been very effective at helping a patient overcome repetitive stress injuries. The health and age of a person is a factor in the healing process but chiropractic care for treating carpal tunnel has been positive for all patients.
Spinal Manipulations
A chiropractor can use manipulation techniques to adjust the wrist and elbow. They can also work the upper spine by applying controlled pressure to a joint.
Ultrasound Treatment
This type of therapy will use high energy or low energy sound which can not be heard by the human ear. The ultrasound equipment uses sound waves that penetrate the tissue and will serve to relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and stop pain.
Rest
A patient may be advised to stop performing certain work altogether or for a designated period of time depending on the severity of the injury. If the area is inflamed, rest will be necessary to reduce the swelling before treatment can begin.
Exercise
A patient may be advised of certain exercises to be performed daily to alleviate pressure and pain on the wrist area.
Braces/Splints
Wrist supports can be utilized to keep the wrists aligned properly to prevent additional injuries during movement. The braces will keep the area immobile and allow the body to rest from the repetitive motions.
Seeking medical care when numbness or pain is first present is the best advice. A chiropractor can use their techniques to relieve the pressure on the nerves, fight the inflammation and swelling, and treat the current injury before it gets worse. Consider it as a beneficial alternative to more invasive procedures like surgery or to avoid having to take medications to alleviate the pain and pressure.
Your Tulsa Chiropractor,
Dr. Ryan Marshall, D.C.