Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
We often see patients in our Henderson clinic suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist pain. The carpal tunnel is a small space between the bones and fibrous tissues in the wrist. Within this space is the median nerve, which runs from your armpit down the length of the arm. The median nerve can become compressed if the tissues within the carpal tunnel are injured and inflamed. These injuries can occur after a traumatic event like a sports injury; they may also develop more gradually overtime due to tendonitis caused by repetitive motions such as typing, sewing, working on an assembly line or other work injuries.
Hormonal changes are also believed to impact the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, because they cause fluid retention and swelling in the body. As such, pregnancy, menopause, and hypothyroidism may increase your risk of CTS. Other factors that precipitate CTS include obesity, diabetes, smoking, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Do I Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome share similar traits to cervical radiculopathy (radiating pain) and ulnar nerve compression, so it's important to receive an accurate diagnosis from your Henderson/Las Vegas chiropractor.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
Tingling, numbness, or "pins and needles" sensations in the wrists, arms, fingers
Affected fingers include thumb, index, and middle fingers
Muscle weakness and decreased grip strength
Shooting pain in the forearm
Cramping and/or burning sensation
Neck pain
How Can Chiropractic Help Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Standard medical treatments for CTS include wrist splints, medications, and sometimes surgery to relieve pressure on the irritated nerves. However if the underlying cause of the inflammation is not addressed, patients frequently require revision surgery. In fact, nearly a third of patients who have received operations for CTS need revision surgeries, and many do not find total relief after the operation. Instead, chiropractors can use non-invasive, natural treatments to calm inflammation, restore strength in the wrist and arms, and decrease pain.
Our Henderson chiropractors will use chiropractic adjustments and physiotherapy for effective relief of your carpal tunnel syndrome. Call Advanced Spine & Rehabilitation for an appointment today.
References
Hains G, Descarreaux M, Lamy AM, Hains F. A randomized controlled (intervention) trial of ischemic compression therapy for chronic carpal tunnel syndrome. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. 2010 September; 54(3): 155–163.
De-la-llave-Rincon, A. Response of pain intensity to soft tissue mobilization and neurodynamic technique: a series of 18 patients with chronic carpal tunnel syndrome. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2012; doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2012.06.002.
Crafts GJ, et al. "Chiropractic management of work-related upper limb disorder complicated by intraossesous ganglion cysts: a case report." Journal of Chiropractic Medicine 2011; 10(3): 166-172.