Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Chiropractic Care

Think you might be living with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? It is an often-painful condition that can create weakness in your hands and wrists. This condition occurs when there is pressure on the nerve that extends up your arm- also called the median nerve.

This nerve controls sensation and function of your thumb and digits, except for your pinky finger. If you struggle with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Chiropractic Care may offer relief of symptoms and restore mobility and feeling.

Here is what you should know about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Chiropractic care:

Risks for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Could you be at risk for Carpal tunnel? There are some conditions and factors that put you at a greater risk for this condition:

• Females are more likely than men to be afflicted with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, due to the smaller size of this nerve among women.
• You are at greater risk if there is a family history of Carpal Tunnel.
• If you have a job that involves repetitive hand and wrist motions, you are more inclined to have Carpal Tunnel.
• If you have a history of wrist trauma, like a fracture or break, you are at-risk.

There are also some known causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that you should be aware of. These include the following:

• Repetitive type motions or movements when hands are lower than your wrists
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism

Pregnancy can also contribute to and cause Carpal Tunnel issues.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

So, how do you know if you are experiencing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? There are symptoms that should send you to a physician for further assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. If you experience the following symptoms for a prolonged period, see your doctor promptly:

• Burning sensation in palm, fingers, or thumb
• Tingling or itching in hands and digits
• Weakness when attempting to hold or grasp objects
• Shock-like sensations in hands or fingers
• Arm tingling
• Numbness in fingers
• Loss of ability to grip
• Pain
• Cramping in hands and fingers

When your median nerve is not functioning properly, it can interfere with impulses and stimuli. The result may be slower nerve response, less feeling in your digits, and a loss of strength and fine motor skills, especially involving the thumb.

Chiropractic Care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Relief could be found from chiropractic care for carpal tunnel syndrome. If your doctor identifies the issue to involve the musculoskeletal system, your chiropractor may schedule you for treatment that includes:

• Manipulation
• Mobilization
• Splints
• Stretching
• Modifications to work environment
• Exercises
• Weight loss

Additionally, lifestyle changes may prove to be alternatives to surgery, which is very-often a recommended course of treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients. This may include daily exercise regimens or nutritional plan to decrease the pain and symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel.

Anti-inflammatory medications may also help to curb swelling that interferes with or that makes activity more difficult. The goal of chiropractic care- and suggested treatment options- is to ease pressure on the Median nerve to reduce symptoms, primarily pain.

Do what you can to decrease your risks for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, including using supports like braces for wrists, as well as taking periodic breaks from repetitive tasks that require use of hands and wrists. Learn more about the best ergonomic practices to prevent Carpal Tunnel- and keep your hands warm to prevent discomfort or pain.