San Diego Chiropractor on Carpal Tunnel Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most well-known nerve entrapment disorder. As the term “nerve entrapment” suggests, these disorders show up when a nerve is trapped or compressed between body tissues creating inflammation and impairment of the nerve.
Anatomy
The carpal tunnel rests within the underside of the wrist. It is a tunnel, or passage, through which the Median nerve travels on its way to energize and animate the hand and fingers. In addition to the median nerve, the carpal tunnel contains the nine tendons of the forearm muscles that are responsible for bending and flexing of the fingers and thumb. Also within the tunnel are arteries and lymphatic vessels that bring circulation to the hand. The bottom and sides of this tunnel are formed by wrist bones and the top of the tunnel is covered by a heavy band of connective tissue called the transverse carpal ligament. The carpal tunnel is a thickly-packed space about the size of an index finger. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are designed to glide smoothly past each other during wrist and finger movement.
If the tendon size increases from inflammation or hypertrophy (growth), or if the carpal tunnel size dimenishes because of a misalignment of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become squeezed or entrapped within the carpal tunnel. At first, carpal tunnel symptoms mainly include, pain, numbness, pins and needles, and tinging in the fingers and hand, particularly the thumb and adjacent two fingers. These symptoms are especially noticeable in the night and often wake people from their sleep as the individual has to sit up in bed and shake-out and/or rub the hands in order decrease these unpleasant feelings. The hands can also feel awkward, weak and fatigue easily with activity. Eventually, grasping small objects using the thumb and fingers can be gravely affected and, without treatment, can result in complete debilitation of the hand.
Some common causes and associated conditions are:
- repetitive and forceful grasping with the hands
- prolonged computer usage especially with poor wrist position
- activities that require repetitive bending of the wrist
- broken or dislocated bones in the wrist which produce swelling
- arthritis, especially the rheumatoid type
- thyroid gland imbalance
- sugar diabetes
- hormonal changes associated with menopause or pregnancy
Though any of the causes and conditions listed can be instrumental in contributing to the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, often the actual root cannot be found. However, people who perform jobs that require use of vibration tools and machinery, and/or work in extreme temperatures are often subjected to this condition. In addition, repetitive housework as seemingly inconsequential as wringing clothes by hand, can bring on carpal tunnel symptoms. By far the most significant reason for the increase of people suffering with CTS is the continuous rise in the use of computers. The repetitive motions of typing on the keyboard and moving the mouse over extended periods of time is a primary indicator for many people with CTS.
Treatment
Competent diagnosis and treatment is vital to relieving the painful and debilitating symptoms of CTS. Your San Diego Chiropractor is highly skilled in the diagnosis and managment of CTS. Chiropractors are well-trained in treating CTS. In addition to chiropractic adjustments of the wrist joints, treatment by chiropractor may include inflammation reduction therapy such as ultrasound or low level laser. Electromusclestim can often help to strengthen the weak muscles of the forearm and soft tissue massage is effective in stretching contracted tissues. You might be advised to wear a splint or support, especially at night, to help secure the wrist in a neutral position to decompress the carpal tunnel. Your San Diego Chiropractor will also give you specific exercises to stretch and/or strengthen muscles of the forearm and hand.
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