What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a debilitating condition that occurs when the median nerve in your wrist is compressed by swelling. Carpal tunnel is among the most common ailments to affect the nerves. Traditionally, there were few options to deal with this problem. Those that were available, such as surgery and medication, were costly or invasive. Fortunately, the more conservative and mild approach used by our Chiropractors has proven successful in reducing both symptoms and underlying causes. Read on to learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, causes, and care available from our Chiropractors.
About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include sensations of burning, pain and tingling. There may be swelling in the palm of the hand that extends into the first three fingers and thumb. Patients commonly struggle with picking up small objects and experience weakness in the affected hand. In some severe cases, the condition can do permanent damage to the median nerve and result in permanent loss of movement within the hand.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The pain produced by carpal tunnel is a result of swelling and the misalignment of tissues and bones. For some patients, these symptoms develop as a result of an obvious injury, like a stress or break within the wrist.
The most frequent cause of carpal tunnel is related to occupations that require extended use of vibrating instruments or repetitive movements of hands or wrists. Sometimes, carpal tunnel may seem to develop spontaneously. Metabolic disorders of the thyroid can also contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, as may obesity and pregnancy. More commonly, when the issue develops in the wrists, it is the result of nerve irritation present in the spinal column.
How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Managed?
Traditionally, carpal tunnel management has been limited to decompression surgeries, physiotherapy, and prescription medications. Due to the fact that these options often fail to take care of the underlying issue, they may provide only short-term relief, or may prove to be ineffective. When this issue is left unmanaged, afflicted individuals are forced to adapt their lifestyles to accommodate this debilitating issue. This can mean job loss, or even a need for help with basic living functions.
Fortunately, many people are discovering long-term relief from carpal tunnel syndrome through chiropractic care. Chiropractic medicine is a noninvasive alternative that deals directly with the inherent cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. A chiropractor will evaluate your condition and formulate an individualized care plan that will correct nerve interference in the spine and restore you to your optimal state. If you are experiencing any symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, do not hesitate to call our staff at Sawyer Chiropractic Group for a consultation immediately.