The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist, formed by bones and ligaments. The median nerve, which provides sensation to the thumb and fingers, runs through this tunnel along with tendons. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a compression of the median nerve that results in weakness, numbness, tingling and pain around the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. Women are 3X more likely to have carpal tunnel because they have a smaller carpal tunnel.
Carpal tunnel treatment. Treatment options range from conservative measures like wrist splints and corticosteroid injections to surgical decompression of the carpal tunnel. Surgical procedures to treat carpal tunnel costs thousands of dollars, with rehab treatment adding additional costs. Patients may also suffer lost wages and decreased activity during recovery. It should also be noted that less than 60% of surgical cases resolve fully. This is largely because the two other nerves in the hand are often overlooked and untreated.
Causes of carpal tunnel syndrome. While the exact cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is not always clear, it can be related to repetitive hand and wrist movements, certain medical conditions (like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis), or anatomical factors (such as a smaller carpal tunnel. CTS can be aggravated by cervical disc issues, bone spurs, myofasciitis (inflammation of the muscles and fascia) and impingement of the nerves at critical areas. Activities related to CTS include repetitive movements such as using a computer mouse or cell phone, knitting, crocheting, certain work tools, and prolonged vibration.
Chiropractic care for carpal tunnel. Chiropractic care can be beneficial for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) as it offers non-invasive and holistic treatment options. By focusing on the musculoskeletal system, chiropractors aim to reduce nerve compression, alleviate pain, and improve hand and wrist function, potentially avoiding the need for surgery or medication. Family Chiropractic care has a history of treating patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Staley performs the appropriate evaluations and examinations to determine what is causing the hand pain and numbness and has an overall success rate of 98%. If you, or someone you know, is dealing with hand numbness, pain, weakness or tingling that may even radiate up to the elbow, contact the Family Chiropractic Center for evaluation.
