Can Chiropractic Help with Carpal Tunnel?
You’ve surely heard of carpal tunnel syndrome before, but do you know what it actually is? Carpal tunnel syndrome is typically identified by tingling, numbness, and weakness in the thumb, index, or middle finger. it also involved problems with the hands and wrists, and is becoming more and more common due to the frequent use of cell phones and computers in today’s world.
People who perform repetitive actions with their hands such as cashiers, typists, mechanics, and hairdressers typically suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a fibrous band of tissue located on the front side of the wrist, or the same area that you would wear a wrist watch. It holds many nerves, tendons, and blood vessels that your hands need to use to function properly. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the carpal tunnel becomes damaged and pressure is put on the arteries and nerves in your wrist and hands.
Although carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t just happen overnight, the symptoms will continue to worsen if left untreated. Those symptoms can include pain in the wrist or hand at night, clumsiness or weakness in the hands, and muscle loss in the palms. It can also be aggravated by diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid problems, but it is typically repetitive motions that cause this condition.
People who work at computers all day are at an increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome due to the constant strain placed on the muscles of the hands, wrists, forearms, and shoulders. These repetitive strain injuries may seem small, but they really add up. Our chiropractic team can suggest great tools to avoid these injuries, including workplace ergonomics and stretches.
Carpal tunnel syndrome has traditionally been treated by medical doctors with the use of injections, splints, surgery, and anti-inflammatory drugs. However, chiropractors are also capable of treating carpal tunnel syndrome with joint mobilization or manipulation to help your wrist and joints move more freely. Most chiropractors can also use soft tissue treatments to relieve muscle tension that may be impinging your nerves. There are numerous exercises that help minimize muscle strain while also improving muscle strength.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and believe carpal tunnel syndrome may be the culprit, contact us today for a consultation! Our team of professionals is here to help you live a happy and healthy life.