Carpal tunnel syndrome is a health condition in which a person may experience tingling, numbness, pain, weakness, or other discomfort in the fingers, wrists, hands, and forearms. These symptoms can be very uncomfortable, however, conservative therapy is available that can improve the problem and restore hands and wrists to normal. This article reviews the causes and effective treatments that will prevent this condition from affecting a person's lifestyle.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the underside of the wrist. It gives passage to the tendons that bend most fingers in addition to the main nerve to the hand, called the median nerve. When this nerve is compressed, pain and numbness result, eventually causing the hands to weaken. Numbness or tingling are frequently experienced in the thumb and next two fingers and may appear upon awakening or holding an item such as a telephone, newspaper, or steering wheel of a car. Progression of the condition could lead to constant numbness.
Pain may radiate from the wrist down into the palm or extend from the wrist, up the arm, to the shoulder. Many times this occurs after repetitive or forceful use. The hands may start to feel weak, and the individual may begin to drop items. Irritation of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel groove can result in the condition and it is then termed carpal tunnel syndrome.
An accumulation of factors may cause development of the condition. Among these are repetitive use of vibrating tools or prolonged flexion of the wrist as occurs with work on an assembly line. Also those who send a lot of time at a computer may especially be at risk.
There is often a relationship between this condition and the neck. Nerves travel from the spinal cord in the neck area and exit the spine and then travel into the wrist and hand. A pinched nerve in the neck can mimic those of carpal tunnel syndrome. When patients complaining of this condition visit a doctor of chiropractic, the professional examines both the neck and wrists and to determine the exact cause and performs safe treatments to the appropriate areas that 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 definite measures to prevent the condition but reducing extreme wrist movement, limiting repetitive use and avoiding forceful usage of the hands when performing tasks may help. If the condition does not improve, a trip to a doctor of chiropractic is a logical step. A chiropractor is a professional specialist to see for comprehensive testing, diagnosis, and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the underside of the wrist. It gives passage to the tendons that bend most fingers in addition to the main nerve to the hand, called the median nerve. When this nerve is compressed, pain and numbness result, eventually causing the hands to weaken. Numbness or tingling are frequently experienced in the thumb and next two fingers and may appear upon awakening or holding an item such as a telephone, newspaper, or steering wheel of a car. Progression of the condition could lead to constant numbness.
Pain may radiate from the wrist down into the palm or extend from the wrist, up the arm, to the shoulder. Many times this occurs after repetitive or forceful use. The hands may start to feel weak, and the individual may begin to drop items. Irritation of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel groove can result in the condition and it is then termed carpal tunnel syndrome.
An accumulation of factors may cause development of the condition. Among these are repetitive use of vibrating tools or prolonged flexion of the wrist as occurs with work on an assembly line. Also those who send a lot of time at a computer may especially be at risk.
There is often a relationship between this condition and the neck. Nerves travel from the spinal cord in the neck area and exit the spine and then travel into the wrist and hand. A pinched nerve in the neck can mimic those of carpal tunnel syndrome. When patients complaining of this condition visit a doctor of chiropractic, the professional examines both the neck and wrists and to determine the exact cause and performs safe treatments to the appropriate areas that 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 definite measures to prevent the condition but reducing extreme wrist movement, limiting repetitive use and avoiding forceful usage of the hands when performing tasks may help. If the condition does not improve, a trip to a doctor of chiropractic is a logical step. A chiropractor is a professional specialist to see for comprehensive testing, diagnosis, and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.
About the Author:
Philip Bud Bollen is an author writing about health related topics. Are you looking for Pittsburgh North chiropractic? Get more information about chiropractic Pittsburgh North.
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