Boston Chiropractic Doctors Discuss Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a problem with the median nerve that gets compressed in a narrow tunnel of bones and soft tissues at the wrist. The median nerve extends from the forearm all the way to the hand and its origin is at the neck in the cervical spine.
Anyone with carpal tunnel syndrome knows that the shooting pains in the wrist interfere with more activities than just typing at the computer. It’s difficult for carpal tunnel syndrome patients to comb, brush and shampoo their hair, get dressed, hold a bag of groceries and even driving can be troublesome. During the day, patients with this problem may experience burning, tingling, itching and/or numbness in the palm of the hand and fingers. There’s also an associated weakness with the fingers, causing items held in the hand to be dropped.
CTS symptoms can first start at night when someone sleeps with wrists flexed toward the body. Malden Chiropractors have found that an injury to the wrist can start the progression of CTS, as can improper positioning at the desk, and repeated use of vibrating hand tools. In some cases, hypothyroidism, diabetes, fluid retention and arthritis can cause CTS. And in other cases, a deficiency of trace elements and essential elements can predispose one to develop CTS.
The earlier carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis. Diagnosis is determined by provoking the symptoms with certain positions of the hands and nerve conduction velocity testing helps confirm the diagnosis.
Part of your treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is rest of the affected hand and wrist. Any activities that worsen the symptoms, such as certain sports including tennis, baseball, and water skiing will be temporarily avoided. The wrist is often immobilized in a splint to prevent further damage from sudden excessive motion. Cold packs are recommended to help reduce swelling and have been invaluable at relieving pain within minutes.
Your chiropractic physician will NOT prescribe pain medications that will create addictions. Instead, he or she will recommend natural agents that can help alleviate pain. Also, you will be given stretching exercises and strengthening exercises that can speed up recovery.
Without chiropractic treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, a patient is reliant on prescription medications that build up toxicity in the body and affect the kidney and liver. Some of them are addictive. The prescription medications do not address the underlying cause of the CTS disorder and when the condition worsens, the only option is surgery. Although many people do get relief from the carpal tunnel surgery, many do not and may develop additional problems. That’s why chiropractic physicians believe that the more natural treatment chiropractic offers is the best treatment to try first.
If you’re experiencing shooting pains in the wrist area or pain in the wrist and hand while you work, see your Malden Chiropractors as soon as possible.