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Chiropractic Care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Repetitive motions of the hand and wrist over time may cause or worsen a condition called carpal tunnel syndrome. The disorder is characterized by tingling, burning, numbness, and weakness of the hand. These symptoms are caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a bony canal in the palm side of the wrist that provides a passage for the median nerve to the hand. When the median nerve is compressed or irritated, a person feels pain or numbness in the hand.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can sometimes be avoided by preventative practices. These include:
· Maintain good posture at all times
· Switch hands and develop ambidexterity—give your primary hand a break
· Change positions often when performing repetitive motions
· Take frequent breaks and rest your hands
· Stop any activity that may be causing wrist, hand, or finger pain or numbness. Consult with your company’s Human Resources person and ask for an ergonomics assessment of your work activities.
· Use hand and wrist movements that spread the motion evenly throughout your hand and wrist. Evaluate each step of the repetitive motion and look for ways to modify the motion.
· Wear a wrist splint to keep your wrist in a position that reduces stress on your hand, wrist and fingers.
Common medical treatment of the disorder involves drugs or surgery. These treatments are expensive and may not be effective on all patients. A chiropractor, on the other hand, can manipulate the joints and surrounding tissue in order to take pressure from the offending nerve and relieve pain—all without drugs or surgery.