What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and How Does it Develop?

People often suspect carpal tunnel syndrome once they feel pain and tingling around their wrist and hands. The condition is relatively common. However, carpal tunnel syndrome is not the only suspect when you feel hand and wrist pain. This article covers the origin of the condition, the risk, and treatment options.

How carpal tunnel syndrome develops

The carpal tunnel is a complex structure with multiple tendons and a median nerve. Tendons’ inflammation compresses the median nerve, resulting in numbness, tingling, and pain throughout the nerve path. Beyond the carpal tunnel, the symptoms may also be noticeable in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. This is often the clearest sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients may also experience shooting pain around the wrist and inner forearm.

Some of the common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Direct pressure on the median nerve for prolonged periods
• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis resulting in redness and swelling
• Damage to the carpal tunnel caused by dislocation or fracture
• An injury that results in the displacement of the carpal tunnel bones, causing their breakdown
• Repetitive motion that causes swelling of the membranes around the tendons, called tenosynovitis

An appointment with the chiropractor is important once the pain or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers starts. Treatment will start once the healthcare professional makes the right diagnosis. Without treatment, the nerve injury will worsen and may cause lasting numbness and weakness of the hand. The median nerve will start to suffer severe damage due to pressure and irritation, making it less functional.

This can cause loss of sensation in the fingers, sluggish nerve responses, and diminished strength and coordination in the fingers. Cramping muscles will get even more painful with shrinking if the condition goes untreated. The damages may be irreversible if the condition is not treated promptly.

Treatment from the chiropractor for carpal tunnel syndrome

In the past, the treatment for carpal tunnel issues was based on a guesswork plan consisting of splints, pain meds, and sometimes surgery. The success rate of these treatments is not high and could cause more harm than good.

Chiropractic care focuses on a full-body approach by determining the origin of the carpal tunnel syndrome and developing a treatment plan. The chiropractor will try to find a solution to the cause of the pain, pressure, and inflammation occurring in the median nerve.

The median nerve starts at the neck and upper thoracic spine, which means chiropractic manipulation will address these areas. The manipulation will also cover the elbow, shoulder, and wrist joints to disentangle the compressed median nerve. The chiropractor will recommend helpful exercises and stretches to restore functionality to the wrist. Other options that might be included in the treatment plan are trigger point therapy, site-specific ultrasound for relief, and wrist supports.

In conclusion

With chiropractic care, it is possible to correct the root cause of carpal tunnel syndrome in a safe and non-invasive way. You will experience relief from pain and swelling and the ability to use your wrists and fingers without limitation. If you are experiencing carpal tunnel issues, feel free to book an appointment with the chiropractor for long-term relief.

Get more information here: https://spine-chiropractic.com or call Spine Chiropractic at (423) 910-2302

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