Conditions: Carpal Tunnel

As the professional community ages, the diagnoses of carpal tunnel continue to rise. Carpal tunnel syndrome is commonly associated with the repeated movement associated with typing on a keyboard with improper hand positioning. Carpal tunnel creates a burning, numbness, or tingling sensation in the hands or wrists. This condition can occur on one or both sides.

Carpal tunnel release and surgeries associated with relieving the pain associated with carpal tunnel are increasing every year. Unfortunately, the success of these surgeries is seen in about half of the population. If you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel and are currently considering your options pain relief, you should consider chiropractic care.
 

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist. The median nerve passes through this tunnel and into your hand. Any inflammation or swelling of the carpal tunnel can constrict or cause pressure to occur on the median nerve. This interruption of your nerve's ability to function can cause the suite of problems associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Women are three times more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. While scientists are not certain why this occurs, they suggest that it may be due to the smaller size of the carpal tunnel in women when compared to their male counterparts.
 

Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome can be notoriously difficult. Any issues with the median nerve anywhere in the body can cause similar problems. This makes it difficult for an initial diagnosis. Some of the other possibilities that your chiropractor will try to rule out are arthritis, subluxations, or herniated discs in the spinal column that may interfere with the medial nerve before it reaches the carpal tunnel.
 

Conducting Invasive Treatments

While your doctor may suggest surgery as a possibility, it is essential to recognize that there are many possible misdiagnoses and complications that this procedure presents. The high number of ineffective operations suggests that there may have been a misdiagnosis in the first place.

 Additionally, surgeries require significant preparation, cost, and recovery time. Before you schedule an invasive procedure, it would be wise to meet with your chiropractor to get her opinion.
 

Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Chiropractic Care

Many people overlook the potential option of chiropractic care before they schedule their surgeries. This may be because many people think that chiropractors only deal with issues as they relate to the back and neck.

However, chiropractors are trained to deal with issues as nerves travel throughout the body.  They have specific knowledge about non-invasive techniques to reduce or eliminate the problems that may be associated with nerve damage or restriction.

In the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, your chiropractor will review the entire course that your medial nerve travels throughout the body to ensure they can identify where the issue is occurring.

The median nerve originates in the cervical spine. Your chiropractor follows the path of the nerve to the hand and uses some techniques to alleviate your pain.

Some of these techniques can involve the gentle manipulation of the cervical spine, elbow, and wrist to try to reduce pressure on the nerve. Your chiropractor may also use other non-invasive techniques like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or heat therapies to alleviate your pain.
 

Overview

If you opt not to get carpal tunnel syndrome treated, it may lead to long-term or permanent damage to the median nerve. This can cause permanent numbness, tingling, or pain to your hand. If you are concerned with any of these issues, schedule an appointment with a licensed chiropractor today. They can quickly help you identify some of the potential issues and get you started on a path to recovery.