Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that is characterized by tingling, numbness, pain, weakness, or other discomfort in the fingers, wrists, hands, and forearms. Although these symptoms can be very uncomfortable, conservative treatment is available that can improve the problem and restore wrists and hands to normal status. This article will review the causes and popular treatments that will prevent this condition from affecting one's lifestyle.
Anatomically, the carpal tunnel is a narrow channel on the underside of the wrist made up of eight small bones called the carpal bones. This channel is an opening that contains the tendons that flex fingers and an important nerve to the hand, called the median nerve. Sometimes the median nerve can be pinched by misalignment of the carpal bones resulting in pain, numbness, and may eventually cause the hands to weaken. Symptoms are frequently experienced in the thumb and first two fingers and may appear upon awakening or holding an item such as a telephone, computer mouse, or pen or pencil. Progression of the condition could lead to constant feeling of numbness and weakness.
Pain may extend or radiate from the wrist, up the arm, to the shoulder or from the wrist down into the palm or fingers. This commonly occurs after repetitive or forceful use. If hands begin feeling weak, the individual may drop items frequently. Anything that compresses, crowds, or irritates the median nerve within the carpal tunnel area can result in this condition. This includes rheumatoid arthritis or a wrist fracture.
A combination of factors may initiate and cause the condition to develop. Among these are regular use of vibrating tools or repetitive or prolonged flexing of the wrist as happens with assembly line work. The frequent use of a computer is commonly noted as a factor. Regular computer use may cause other types of pains in the hand that can be diagnosed by a health care practitioner.
There is often a relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome and the neck. Spinal nerves from the neck area exit the spine and then travel into the wrist and hand. At times a pinched nerve in the neck can mimic those of carpal tunnel syndrome. Anytime patients have a complaint of this type a doctor of chiropractic, examines both the neck and wrists and to diagnose the exact cause and performs safe, effective treatments to the appropriate areas. These treatments are nonsurgical and involve no medications.
Taking frequent breaks and applying ice to hands may relieve the mildest symptoms. If numbness or tingling occurs at night, a doctor may recommend using a splint that holds the wrist still while the patient sleeps. Yoga postures that stretch, balance, and strengthen joints within the upper body and this entire portion of the frame may reduce weakness and pain.
There are no sure means to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome but non-use of the hands and wrists periodically, reducing extreme wrist movement, and limiting force when performing tasks involving the hands may help. If the condition does not improve, a trip to the chiropractic doctor is a suggested step. A chiropractor is a logical specialist to see for comprehensive testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
Anatomically, the carpal tunnel is a narrow channel on the underside of the wrist made up of eight small bones called the carpal bones. This channel is an opening that contains the tendons that flex fingers and an important nerve to the hand, called the median nerve. Sometimes the median nerve can be pinched by misalignment of the carpal bones resulting in pain, numbness, and may eventually cause the hands to weaken. Symptoms are frequently experienced in the thumb and first two fingers and may appear upon awakening or holding an item such as a telephone, computer mouse, or pen or pencil. Progression of the condition could lead to constant feeling of numbness and weakness.
Pain may extend or radiate from the wrist, up the arm, to the shoulder or from the wrist down into the palm or fingers. This commonly occurs after repetitive or forceful use. If hands begin feeling weak, the individual may drop items frequently. Anything that compresses, crowds, or irritates the median nerve within the carpal tunnel area can result in this condition. This includes rheumatoid arthritis or a wrist fracture.
A combination of factors may initiate and cause the condition to develop. Among these are regular use of vibrating tools or repetitive or prolonged flexing of the wrist as happens with assembly line work. The frequent use of a computer is commonly noted as a factor. Regular computer use may cause other types of pains in the hand that can be diagnosed by a health care practitioner.
There is often a relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome and the neck. Spinal nerves from the neck area exit the spine and then travel into the wrist and hand. At times a pinched nerve in the neck can mimic those of carpal tunnel syndrome. Anytime patients have a complaint of this type a doctor of chiropractic, examines both the neck and wrists and to diagnose the exact cause and performs safe, effective treatments to the appropriate areas. These treatments are nonsurgical and involve no medications.
Taking frequent breaks and applying ice to hands may relieve the mildest symptoms. If numbness or tingling occurs at night, a doctor may recommend using a splint that holds the wrist still while the patient sleeps. Yoga postures that stretch, balance, and strengthen joints within the upper body and this entire portion of the frame may reduce weakness and pain.
There are no sure means to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome but non-use of the hands and wrists periodically, reducing extreme wrist movement, and limiting force when performing tasks involving the hands may help. If the condition does not improve, a trip to the chiropractic doctor is a suggested step. A chiropractor is a logical specialist to see for comprehensive testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
About the Author:
Philip Bud Bollen is an author writing about healthy living. Would you like to know more about a Pittsburgh chiropractor? Get more information about Pittsburgh chiropractic.
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