Archive for carpal tunnel
Chiropractic techniques that work so dramatically with the spine can, of course, be adapted to other joints in the body. Your Chiropractor knows that as a consequence of trauma, excess vibration, or repetitive motions, virtually every joint is exposed to debilitation and range of motion limitations. So, it’s no surprise that chiropractic treatments are an effective, natural, non-invasive approach to treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
The carpal tunnel can be found within the underside of the wrist. It is a tunnel, or passage, through which the Median nerve advances on its way to stimulate and animate the hand and fingers. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome falls into the category of nerve entrapment disorders and is clearly the most common. As the name indicates, the condition takes place when a nerve is impinged or trapped between other tissues of the body producing inflammation of the nerve. This can happen if the size of the tendon increases due to irritation or overuse, or if the tunnel, itself, gets smaller due to the misalignment of the carpal bones.
In the beginning of the injury, the symptoms include pain, numbness, pins and needles, and tingling in the fingers and hand, especially the thumb and adjacent two fingers. People with CTS often awaken from sleep with these symptoms and shakeout and/or rub their hands in order to decrease the unpleasant feeling. Activity during the day can cause the hands to feel clumsy or weak, and fatigue easily. Eventually, grasping small objects with the thumb and fingers can be extremely affected and, without treatment, can result in a complete debilitation of the hand.
In order to diminish the disabling symptoms resulting from the advancement of CTS, correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment are vital. If you are experiencing the pain and disability associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, it just makes good sense for you to try the most natural approach first. As mentioned above, chiropractic care is drug-free, non-surgical, and highly effective. You can learn more about safe and natural chiropractic care, and what it can do for you, by calling your chiropractor today.
457 Carmen Dr. Camarillo, CA, 93010 USA
aabates03@aol.com • 805-389-9222
Can Camarillo Chiropractic Care Help Carpal Tunnel Pain?
Posted by: | CommentsIntroduction
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome falls into the category of neurological conditions labeled nerve entrapment disorders and is by far the most well-known of these disorders. As the name suggests, these conditions occur when a nerve is trapped or constricted between other tissues of the body causing irritation and dysfunction of the nerve.
Anatomy
The carpal tunnel rests within the underside of the wrist. It is a tunnel, or passage, through which the Median nerve travels on its way to energize and animate the hand and fingers. In addition to the median nerve, the carpal tunnel contains the nine tendons of the forearm muscles that are responsible for bending and flexing of the fingers and thumb. There are also arteries and lymphatic vessels that furnish circulation to the hand located within the tunnel. Wrist bones form the bottom and sides of the tunnel, while the top is shaped by the transverse carpal ligament, a strong band of connective tissue. The diameter of the carpal tunnel is about the same as the index finger making the carpal tunnel a jam-packed space. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are intended to glide smoothly past each other during wrist and finger movement.
If the tendon size increases from inflammation or hypertrophy (growth), or if the carpal tunnel size decreases due to an improper use of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become constricted or entrapped within the carpal tunnel. The early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome commonly include pain, numbness, paraesthesia (pins and needles) and tingling in the fingers and hands especially the thumb and adjacent two fingers. These symptoms are especially noticeable in the night and often wake people from their sleep as the individual has to sit up in bed and shake-out and/or rub the hands in order decrease these unpleasant feelings. The hands can also feel inept, weak and fatigue easily with activity. Over time, the ability to hold small objects using the thumb and fingers can be affected severely and if left untreated, can lead to total dysfunction of the hand.
Some prevailing causes and associated conditions are:
* repetitive and forceful grasping with the hands
* prolonged computer usage especially with poor wrist position
* activities that require repetitive bending of the wrist
* broken or dislocated bones in the wrist which produce swelling
* arthritis, especially the rheumatoid type
* thyroid gland imbalance
* sugar diabetes
* hormonal changes associated with menopause or pregnancy
Though any of the causes and conditions listed can be partly responsible for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, often the actual root cannot be found. Nevertheless, those who work with equipment that vibrates and/or perform their jobs in extreme temperatures often develop carpal tunnel symptoms. Even household activities as simple as repetitive wringing clothes by hand can help cause this syndrome. By far the most significant reason for the increase of people suffering with CTS is the continuous rise in the use of computers. The repetitive motions of typing on the keyboard and moving the mouse over extended periods of time is a primary indicator for many people with CTS.
Treatment
Competent diagnosis and treatment is vital to relieving the painful and debilitating symptoms of CTS. Your Camarillo Chiropractor is highly skilled in the diagnosis and managment of CTS. Chiropractors are well-trained in treating CTS. Treatment by chiropractor can include ultrasound or low level laser to help reduce inflammation, electro therapy to strengthen weak muscles of the forearm, soft tissue massage to stretch contracted tissues and, of course, adjustments of the dysfunctional joints of the wrist. Your chiropractor may suggest that you wear a splint or support, particularly at night, to aid in the decompression of the carpal tunnel. Your Camarillo Chiropractor will also give you specific exercises to stretch and/or strengthen muscles of the forearm and hand.
