What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) ?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a problem of the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve gets compressed in the carpal tunnel-a narrow tunnel at the wrist-made up of bones and soft tissues, such as nerves, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. The compression may result in pain, weakness, and/or numbness in the hand and wrist, which radiates up into the forearm.
CTS typically occurs in adults, with women 3 times more likely to develop it than men. The dominant hand is usually affected first, and the pain is typically severe CTS is especially common in assembly-line workers in manufacturing, sewing, finishing, cleaning, meatpacking, and similar industries.
What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
Burning, tingling, itching, and/or numbness in the palm of the hand and thumb, index, and middle fingers are most common. Some people with Carpal tunnel syndrome say that their fingers feel useless and swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent. Since many people sleep with flexed wrists, the symptoms often first appear while sleeping.
As symptoms worsen, you may feel tingling during the day. In addition, weakened grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist or grasp small objects. Some people develop wasting of the muscles at the base of the thumb. Some are unable to distinguish hot from cold by touch.
Why Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Develop?
Some people have smaller carpal tunnels than others, which makes the median nerve compression more likely. In others, CTS can develop because of an injury to the wrist that causes swelling, over-activity of the pituitary gland, hypothyroidism, diabetes, inflammatory arthritis, mechanical problems in the wrist joint, poor work ergonomics, repeated use of vibrating hand tools, and fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause.
What Is the Treatment for Carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Chiropractic Adjustments of the wrist and hand to relieve the pain and improve joint function
- Physical Therapy stretching and strengthening exercises strengthen the muscular support around the joints which improves and maintains joint mobility and function, ultrasound and traction – to reduce swelling and stretch the carpal tunnel tissues
- Massage Therapy to provide soft-tissue mobilization.
How Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Be Prevented?
The American Chiropractic Association recommends the following 6 tips:
- Perform on-the-job conditioning, such as stretching and light exercises.
- Take frequent rest breaks.
- Wear splints to help keep the wrists straight.
- Use fingerless gloves to help keep the hands warm and flexible.
- Use correct posture and wrist position.
- To minimize workplace injuries, jobs can be rotated among workers. Employers can also develop programs in ergonomics-the process of adapting workplace conditions and job demands to workers’ physical capabilities.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – American Chiropractic Association.
“I thought I was going to need surgery to get out of pain from my carpal tunnel symptoms. Dr. Trembush explained I would be going through the same process to recover from surgery as I would to treat it without surgery so I gave it a try. After only a few short months, and by continuing the techniques I learned during treatment, I have successfully avoided surgery.”