Carpal Tunnel Syndrome commonly referred to as CTS,
occurs when the median nerve, which is located just
above the wrist, is pinched or inflamed. The carpal
tunnel is at the base of the palm of your hand and is
made of bones, tendons, and a thick ligament that
surround the median nerve. The pinching is a result of
sustained activities like typing, hammering, or pushing.
Many believe that constant repetitive use of the hand
causes the problem. Although an injury such as a broken
wrist or a dislocated hand bone harms the nerve as well.
In some cases the carpal tunnel is smaller in some
peoples' hands and leads to a higher likelihood of CTS
occurring.
Signs and symptoms of CTS include:
- Nighttime painful tingling in one or both hands,
frequently causing sleep disturbance
- Feeling of uselessness in the fingers
- A sense that fingers are swollen even though
little or no swelling is apparent
- Daytime tingling in the hands, followed by a
decreased ability to squeeze things
- Loss of strength in the muscle at the base of the
thumb, near the palm
- Pain shooting from the hand up the arm as far as
the shoulder
The carpal tunnel is filled with tendons (bundles of
collagen fibers that attach muscle to bone) that control
finger movement. Tasks requiring highly repetitive and
forceful movements of the wrist can cause swelling
around the tendons, resulting in a pinched nerve and
producing CTS.
Most often health care provider may put your wrist in
a splint or brace to keep your wrist from bending, and
to minimize or prevent pressure on the nerve. You would
be asked to probably wear the splint full time for 3 - 4
weeks, then only at night. You may also be asked to
compliment this treatment by putting ice on your wrist,
massaging the area, and doing stretching
exercises.
Over the years we have seen that the most preferred
and safest treatments for CTS has been Chiropractic. The
methods we use at Connecticut Family Chiropractic to
treat CTS include manipulation of the wrist, elbow, and
upper spine, ultrasound therapy, and wrist supports.
Multiple studies support the use of chiropractic
treatment for CTS.
In one study study, 25 individuals diagnosed with CTS
reported significant improvements in several measures of
strength, range of motion, and pain after receiving
chiropractic treatment at the Connecticut Family
Chiropractic. We have also seen that these improvements
were maintained and sustained over the next few years
for most of our patients.
Another study compared the effects of chiropractic
care with conservative medical care (wrist supports and
ibuprofen) among 91 people with CTS. Both groups
experienced significant improvement in nerve function,
finger sensation, and comfort. The researchers concluded
that chiropractic treatment and conservative medical
care are equally effective for people with CTS.
We at Connecticut Family Chiropractic not only aim at
treating you for CTS, but also follow it up be diet and
nutrition advice and we strive to ensure that all our
patients are relieved of that pain that hinders their
daily lives.