Studies have shown a visit to the chiropractor could have significant benefits for those who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. We’ve put together some information about carpal tunnel syndrome, including what it is, how you are diagnosed, and what the chiropractor can do to help you find relief from your symptoms.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve that starts in the neck and travels down the arm is compressed at the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The compression happens when the tissues around the tunnel swell, putting pressure on the nerve. This nerve pressure can cause tingling, pain, and numbness in the hand and arm. Symptoms are often mild early on, but tend to become more severe over time. Early intervention is often the key to not needing surgical intervention.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
There are many different causes of carpal tunnel syndrome– from repeated positioning of the wrist in a stressful way to illnesses that cause the swelling of the area around the tunnel. The following are things that may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Repeated movement that overextends the wrist, such as playing of an instrument or typing
- Positioning of your wrists when typing or using the mouse at your computer
- The use of power tools over time, exposing your wrists to vibrations
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- During pregnancy and menopause fluid build up happen in the wrist
- High blood pressure
- Autoimmune disorders
- Trauma to the wrist
It is not just people who type all day who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. Some sports players can even develop the syndrome all the time. Again, the key is to catch it early, so if you have any of the above disorders and think you might have some symptoms, the best thing you can do is consult with a medical professional.
How Will the Chiropractor Help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Diagnosis first needs to be made, so tell your chiropractor about any and all symptoms you have. They will do a physical exam, as well as take x-rays if needed. Once it is determined you are likely suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, your chiropractor will use a number of treatments to help alleviate the symptoms.
Chiropractic adjustments to the wrist, elbow, and upper spine likely will be performed. Making sure you are in alignment is key to helping almost any physical symptoms of pain. Your chiropractor could also use massage or electrical pulses or sound therapy to help relax the muscles and tissue around the wrist.
They will probably recommend that you rest the arm, icing it a few times a day to lower inflammation. They might give you exercises you can do to strengthen the area and maybe even use a splint or brace to keep the wrist from movement.
You will probably see your chiropractor a few times a week for a few weeks, and then once the pain has been managed you may only go for “upkeep” on a schedule you’ll develop with your chiropractor.
If you are experiencing any pain in your hand or arm and think it might be due to carpal tunnel syndrome, call the doctors at South Orange Chiropractic Center today to schedule your initial appointment. Don’t suffer in silence, our doctors can help you to figure out what the issue is and improve your overall health and wellness.
