Carpal Tunnel and Chiropractic

The condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome is a peripheral neuropathy that occurs when the median nerve, which extends from the forearm to the hand, is compressed. The median nerve controls sensations in the back of the fingers (except for the little finger).

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Although sensations of pain may indicate other conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common and widely recognized compression neuropathies in which peripheral nerves in the body are compressed or traumatized.

Symptoms generally begin gradually and manifest as sensations of heat, cramping, or numbness in the palm of the hand and fingers, especially in the thumb and the middle and index fingers. Some patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome report that their fingers feel swollen and useless,

Symptoms often appear first in one or both hands during the night, as many people sleep with their heads turned (which can cause cervical pressure). A person with carpal tunnel syndrome may wake up feeling the need to “shake” their hand or wrist. As symptoms worsen, patients begin to feel cramping during the day.

• It may become more difficult to make a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks.
• In chronic cases or without treatment, the muscles at the base of the thumb may weaken and atrophy.
• Some people cannot distinguish between cold and heat through touch.
• Sometimes pain manifests in the top of the hand and wrist.
• At other times, the wrist and hand may feel numb.
• If the syndrome progresses sufficiently, it can cause atrophy of that musculature (thenar eminence), significantly limiting the functionality of the affected hand.

Chiropractic aims to correct

the interferences causing

compression of a nerve root (within the carpal tunnel)

DOWNLOAD A TEST FOR CARPAL TUNNEL

Compression of the median nerve at the wrist can cause unilateral or bilateral paresthesia in the fingers, with or without pain in the wrist, palm, and/or forearm near the area of compression. This disorder is known as carpal tunnel syndrome and is often confused with tendinitis.

There are several studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments in the treatment of this disorder.

Chiropractic care represents an alternative to surgery.

Test yourself for carpal tunnel Sources – Bonebrake A.R., Fernández J.E., Dahalan J.B., Marley R.J. et al: “A treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome: results of a follow-up study”. J Manipul Physiol Ther 6:125, 1993. – Bonebrake A.R., Fernández J.E., Dahalan J.B., Marley R.J. et al: “A treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome: evaluation of objective and subjective measures”. J Manipul Physiol Ther 13:507, 1991. – Karpen M.: “Treating carpal tunnel syndrome”. Alt Comp Ther 1:284, 1995 -http://sp.depositphotos.com/23367768/stock-photo-armache.html?sst=480&sqc=510&sqm=593&sq=59r0f9