Chiropractic for Carpal Tunnel

You’ve probably heard of carpal tunnel syndrome before, but do you know what it is? It is often identified by numbness, tingling, and weakness in the thumb, index, or middle finger. Carpal tunnel syndrome involves issues with the hands and wrists, and is becoming increasingly common due to frequent use of mobile devices and computers.

Those that perform repetitive motions with their hands like typists, mechanics, hairdressers, and cashiers are more likely to suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a fibrous band of tissue that is located on the front of the wrist, or the same area that you would wear a wrist watch. It holds many of the blood vessels, tendons, and nerves that your hand uses in order to function. When it becomes damaged and additional pressure is put on the nerves and arteries in the wrist and hand, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can present itself in many ways, and it doesn’t just happen overnight. Painful symptoms can take weeks or months to present themselves and will worsen if left untreated. Symptoms can include weakness or clumsiness in the hands and muscle loss in the palms. It can be aggravated by diseases such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid problems. It is typically repetitive behaviors that worsen carpal tunnel syndrome.

As we mentioned earlier, people who work on computers for hours on end have an increased risk of suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome due to the continual strain put on the muscles of the shoulders, forearms, wrists, and hands. Repetitive strain injuries can be prevented with the use of workplace ergonomics and by taking regular breaks to change positions and stretch. We can even advise you on some of the best stretches you can do throughout the day to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive strain injuries.

Medical doctors have traditionally treated carpal tunnel syndrome with splints, injections, surgery, and over-the-counter drugs such as Advil or Ibuprofen. Here at Markson Chiropractic, we can do more than treat your symptoms. We can treat the underlying cause of your pain related to carpal tunnel syndrome with the use of joint manipulation and/or mobilization to help your joints and wrists move more freely. Additionally, there are a number of exercises that can help improve muscle strength while minimizing muscle strain.

If you are looking to prevent or treat carpal tunnel syndrome, chiropractic may be the key. Contact us today so we can get you back to feeling great!