|
Have you ever been working at your desk and you experience a tingling or numbness in your hand or wrist? This sensation may be carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a condition often associated with long hours spent at your computer. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common sources of wrist pain and can include symptoms such as soreness, numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation. Those who develop carpal tunnel often find rotating their wrist to be difficult, along with moving their hand up or down or side to side. Fortunately, for most people who develop carpal tunnel, receiving proper treatment can usually relieve the pain and numbness that you feel. This will then restore normal use of your wrist and hands. Take extra precautions when it comes to protecting your wrists and visit your Lansing chiropractor with any concerns regarding your hands or wrists.
What is Carpal Tunnel? Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressive and sometimes painful joint disorder that is caused by a compression of the median nerve of your hand. The compression of your median nerve can cause swelling, which then exerts pressure on your nerves. Your median nerve and several tendons run from your forearm to your hand through a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel, the center of your pain. Feeling and movement in your thumb and first three fingers are controlled by the median nerve, which becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist during carpal tunnel syndrome. Typically, carpal tunnel syndrome starts out gradually with minor aching in your wrist that may extend to your hand or forearm. Other common symptoms include: • Tingling or numbness in your fingers or hand, but especially your thumb and index, middle or ring fingers and not your little finger.
• Pain radiating or extending from your wrist up your arm to your shoulder.
• A sense of weakness in your hands with a tendency to drop objects.
If you have persistent symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome that may interfere with your normal activities, consult your Lansing chiropractor. Carpal tunnel syndrome, when left untreated, can cause nerve and muscle damage. Not all wrist pain is carpal tunnel syndrome. Your chiropractor can properly diagnose your symptoms and recommend the best course of treatment. Treating and Preventing your Carpal Tunnel with Chiropractic In many cases, a chiropractor may recommend physical therapy or manipulation of the wrist to reduce pain of carpal tunnel syndrome, eliminating the need for surgery or medications. Your chiropractor can perform precise adjustments to help normalize structure and reduce irritation. With time, non-invasive chiropractic care can relieve carpal tunnel problems without drugs and surgery. The American Chiropractic Association recommends the following tips to prevent and treat carpal tunnel:
• Rest the affected hand and/or wrist
• Limit and/or avoid activities that aggravate the symptoms
• Immobilize the affected wrist in a splint
• Apply ice to reduce swelling
• Periodically stretch your wrists gently while working
• Rest when needed
• Ask your chiropractor about proper wrist posture and position
For more serious cases that don't respond to conservative treatment, a surgical referral may be required as a last resort. Chiropractic care is a natural and safe alternative to invasive measures such as surgery and is a noninvasive treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Consult your chiropractor if you are exhibiting any symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. A proper treatment plan and diagnosis can help relieve your pain.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Timothy Durnin, leading chiropractor in Lansing, IL. Offering a wide range of services including chiropractic treatment for whiplash, osteoporosis, arthritis, neck pain, back pain and carpal tunnel in Lansing, Dr. Durnin is qualified to handle any chiropractic need for patients of all ages.
|
