Wright Chiropractic - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “disorders associated with repeated trauma” account for about 60% of all occupational illnesses. Of all these disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome is the condition most frequently reported.

What is Carpal Tunnel?

Carpal tunnel receives its name from the 8 bones in the wrist, called carpals,that form a “tunnel” in the hands. This tunnel is filled with tendons which control your finger movement. It also provides a pathway for the nerves to reach sensory cells in the hand. That’s why after a few hours of clicking your computer mouse like a madman that you feel a tingling sensation. In fact, tingling of the hands is a classic symptom of carpal tunnel! Repetitive flexing and extension of the wrist may cause a thickening of the protective sheaths which surround each of the tendons. The swollen tendon sheaths, or tenosynovitis, apply increased pressure on the median nerve and produce Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. (CTS)

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel?

Symptoms usually start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers. Some carpal tunnel sufferers say their fingers feel useless and swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent.

How can chiropractic help with carpal tunnel?

Fortunately, not all wrist pain should be called CTS. It is important to determine if the symptoms are being caused by the pressure on the nerves of the wrist, or if there is a different cause of the problem. It is VERY common for these types of symptoms to exist when there is a neck misalignment, history of auto injury, or other spinal conditions. The nerves of the neck control all the nerves of our arms and hands. If the nerves of the neck are being compressed, wrist and hand pain is a common symptom. You would be surprised how often a person’s carpal tunnel symptoms “vanish” after some adjustments.

If you or someone you love suffers from carpal tunnel, tell them about chiropractic!