The truth about carpal tunnel syndrome

BY DR. VIKAS PURI

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that causes numbness, tingling, burning or pain in the hands and wrists. This condition affects 10% of the population with up to 75% of those cases occurring in females. The disorder can occur in one or both hands, although sometimes only the dominant hand is affected.

To understand this condition, we need to review some basic anatomy. Human hands are incredibly complex and contain many nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons that work together to function. Because our hands are so small, many of the muscles that control hand movements are in the forearm. When the brain signals the muscles in our forearm to move our hand, the nerves and tendons along the path “light up” to carry out the movement. The carpal tunnel denotes the space under the transverse carpal ligament which connects the two main forearm bones together at the wrist joint, the radius and ulna.Through this tunnel, tendons, nerves, arteries and veins travel from the forearm to the hand.

Normally, this all happens seamlessly, with no pain or discomfort. However, when this process takes place repeatedly, such as when we’re typing on our keyboards for hours at a time, the tendons get inflamed in the carpal tunnel and compete for space with the nerves, causing the nerves to become compressed.

Classic symptoms include weakness, numbness and tingling in at least two fingers. Commonly, the fingers affected are the ones supplied by the median nerve – the thumb, the index finger, and middle finger. At first, symptoms may only occur at night and are relieved by shaking out the hand or wrist. However, as the condition progresses, patients may experience pain throughout the day, clumsiness, loss of grip and loss of function in some muscles of the hand.

In most cases, carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed in patients between the ages of 50 and 75. Women are more susceptible to it than men. Pregnant women are susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome because of the lack of joint tone and increased inflammation in the body. Other risk factors include jobs that involve the use of repetitive hand or wrist motions, such as hairdressers or assembly line workers.

To provide a diagnosis, chiropractors begin by presenting a questionnaire to determine any risk factors. Next, they will conduct an assessment to “provoke” the symptoms – adding pressure over the carpal tunnel, or tapping, stretching or poking the median nerve. A chiropractor can also conduct some neurological testing to see if the patient has reduced sensation or loss of muscle strength in the area.

Chiropractors provide non-invasive treatments that may alleviate symptoms and improve function of carpal tunnel syndrome. Your chiropractor may use laser, ultrasound, or shockwave therapy, or more active techniques such as nerve-gliding – a technique whereby the chiropractor will guide you through range of motion exercises to improve mobility. Based on the severity of symptoms, use of a wrist splint may be prescribed. Chiropractors also will manipulate the joints of the elbow, shoulder and wrist to free the trapped nerve, and include some exercises and stretches to regain the functionality of the wrist.

Chiropractic treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome is an effective, safe and gentle way to address the root causes of the condition and provide relief from pain, swelling and immobility in a natural way, free from surgery or pain medicine. It is very helpful in easing painful conditions that involve the neck, shoulders and wrist and provides long-term relief.  Early detection and diagnosis are highly recommended in order to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Chiropractors will guide you in making lifestyle changes to remove the underlying cause. Some common tips include:

• Consider modifying activities that require prolonged, repetitive movements of the wrist and fingers and give yourself frequent breaks.
• Limit the use of vibratory tools like jackhammers, floor sanders and certain air-powered tools.
• Educate yourself on proper ergonomics for your home or office workspaces.

If you’re struggling with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, and are searching for relief, a chiropractor can help.