Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage in the wrist that protects the median nerve, the nerve that runs down the arm, through the wrist and into the hand. The median nerve controls some hand movement, and sensation in the thumb, index and middle fingers, and half of the ring finger. Inflammation or compression of the median nerve can cause pain in the wrist and tingling and numbness in the fingers, a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Since most people sleep with their wrists flexed, symptoms are often first apparent when a patient awakens. As the condition worsens, patients may develop weakened grip strength in addition to their other symptoms. While allopathic medicine often treats this condition with corticosteroid injections and, in severe cases, with surgery, chiropractic care takes a gentler, less invasive approach wherever possible.
Chiropractic Treatment for CTS
There are several reasons for a patient to develop CTS, but most commonly the condition results from traumatic or repetitive injury, such as the repeated stress of using vibrating hand tools. In order for the CTS to be properly treated, other injuries, like fractures, and underlying disease conditions must first be ruled out through careful physical examination and other diagnosis tests.
Chiropractic treatment of CTS focuses on relieving pain in the wrist and hand and restoring proper sensation and mobility. Initial therapy includes:
- Rest of the affected wrist and hand
- Applying ice packs to reduce swelling
- Immobilizing the wrist in a brace
- Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms
- Taking NSAIDs to control pain and inflammation
- Taking vitamins, such as B6, or other supplements
Once the acute stage has passed, active joint manipulation of the wrist and hand may be effective in relieving nerve compression in the carpal tunnel. Other methods chiropractors may use to treat CTS include:
- Soft-tissue mobilization techniques
- Trigger point therapy
- Applied kinesiology
- Ultrasound therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Deep muscle massage
- Instructing the patient in exercises to be done at home
In some cases, CTS may be so severe that surgery is necessary. In such situations, chiropractic care can help accelerate the healing process and help to keep the condition from recurring.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for CTS
When CTS can be treated effectively with chiropractic care, there are many advantages over conventional medical therapies for the condition, including:
- Rapid symptom relief
- Absence of prescribed medications
- Non-invasive nature of treatment
- Holistic approach to healing
During chiropractic care, patients benefit from the absence of corticosteroids and other prescribed medications that may produce adverse side effects and, in so doing, complicate the healing process.