Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition many people complain of or diagnose themselves with. Many times it is associated with a technology-driven workplace and working at a computer for long hours. Contrary to popular belief, carpal tunnel syndrome has been around for many years and is not always associated with repetitive motion.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway (about the size of your thumb) which protects the main nerve to your hand—the median nerve—and tendons which allow you to bend your fingers. The median nerve is a mixed nerve, meaning it has a sensory function (pain) and also provides motor function (muscle). The median nerve provides sensation to your thumb, index finger, middle finger and the middle-finger side of your ring finger. The nerve is the key of carpal tunnel syndrome. Pressure placed on this nerve produces the symptoms commonly associated with the condition—numbness, pain and sometimes even hand weakness.
We receive calls regularly from potential patients asking questions about this syndrome—can chiropractic help my problem? Are there any other therapies to try? Do I have to have surgery? The answers to these questions are yes, yes and no!
Chiropractic care is based on helping your nervous system to function properly. Considering that carpal tunnel is caused by interference with a major nerve which begins in the neck and flows into the hands (the median nerve), chiropractic adjustments are definite therapies to utilize. Cervical adjustments specifically address nerve interference in your neck, which in the case of carpal tunnel syndrome, is exactly what needs to be treated. Other therapies used in treating these symptoms include acupuncture and cold-level laser. The National Institute of Health has acknowledged that acupuncture is helpful in treating carpal tunnel symptoms. Specific acupuncture points can be treated to address numbness, pain and weakness associated with this condition.
In our clinic, we have had great success in treating symptoms related to carpal tunnel syndrome. If you are struggling with the diagnosis you have received or are looking for more options, feel free to visit our website or call our clinic for more information. TPW
