What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when your median nerve is pinched or irritated by inflammation. The inflammation develops as a result of repetitive tasks performed by the wrist, hand, fingers, or thumbs (particularly when pressure is involved).
The median nerve runs from the forearm into the hand, through a narrow tunnel made up of carpal bones and the carpal ligament. Because the carpal tunnel is narrow, if the tendons and ligaments that also run through it become inflamed, they press against the median nerve, causing pain and other symptoms.
If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can quickly lead to permanent nerve damage.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Dr. Brock recommends scheduling an evaluation for carpal tunnel syndrome if you experience the following symptoms in your wrists, hands, fingers, or thumbs:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Night pain
- Weakness
- Loss of dexterity
- Pain relieved by shaking or massaging
- Pain that radiates to the arms or shoulders
- Burning feeling
- Lack of sensation
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Repetitive motions or actions that can lead to median-nerve impingement and carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Grasping, pulling, and twisting
- Using hand tools
- Cleaning, scrubbing, and painting
- Playing musical instruments
- Texting or using a computer mouse
- Knitting, sewing, and assembling small items
You can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome by being aware of repetitive movements and adjusting to avoid overusing the hands, wrists, fingers, and thumbs. Taking hourly breaks to rest and stretch your hand and fingers can help ease the strain of a repetitive task.
How does a chiropractor treat carpal tunnel syndrome?
Western medicine only offers surgical resolution of carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Brock and his staff can help you avoid surgery and alleviate carpal tunnel symptoms through noninvasive healing treatments. Helpful therapies include manual massage therapy and deep-tissue ultrasound massage, both of which increase circulation to the affected areas and stimulate healing.
If you think you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Brock for a consultation and evaluation. In addition to massage and ultrasound, he can provide you with at-home exercises and nutritional support to help keep your wrists, hands, fingers, and thumbs healthy and functional.
