Wrist and Hand Pain
(Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when the Median Nerve, a major nerve coming from your neck down your arm and into your hand, gets compressed at the wrist. The compression occurs due to inflamed tendons and ligaments in the wrist caused by repetitive typing, using a keyboard mouse for long periods of time, or by performing other repetitive tasks.
CTS can cause pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling in the wrist, hand, thumb and forearm. If left untreated for a long period of time, surgery may be required.
Patients who suffer from CTS often complain of neck pain because the same nerves, including the Median Nerve, originate in the neck and are often compressed when the neck is placed under abnormal strain.
Unfortunately, most of my patients who complain of CTS symptoms were not aware previously that chiropractic was an excellent treatment option for them. Many come to my office after undergoing surgery in one hand, and the other hand is now showing signs of CTS. I have also seen patients who had complications from the surgery due to scar tissue formation and the symptoms returned. It is always preferable to try a non-invasive approach like chiropractic, acupuncture, and/or nutritional therapy for CTS before considering surgery, which should only be used as a last resort.
Treatment for CTS
Chiropractic is very successful for treating CTS, by not only addressing the affected hand but also the neck which can also be the source of the problem. With a thorough examination I can pinpoint where the source of the pain is coming from and can usually be treated gently without the use of traditional spinal manipulation or “cracking” of the neck. In addition, Cold Laser Therapy, Vibrational Sound Healing, and specific neck and hand strengthening exercises will be part of the program.