Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Seek treatment at the first sign of pain

Carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as carpal tunnel or CTS, affects the nerve running from hand to forearm. It’s a condition that causes a burning or tingling sensation to radiate up the arm, starting in the palm and fingers.  Although the actual cause of carpal tunnel is uncertain, it is generally associated with repetitive motion involving the wrist. Odds of developing the condition increase if you have experienced a prior injury to the wrist or if you have an underlying condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Carpal Tunnel Facts:

• 47 percent of all carpal tunnel instances are considered to be work-related.
• Approximately 260,000 cases of the condition result in surgery.
• Studies have shown that 14 percent of the population has experienced pain or numbness in the hands, but only one-fifth of these were actually carpal tunnel cases.
• More women develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome can develop in either of your hands, or both.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment – What a Chiropractor Can Do For You

Carpal tunnel treatment can include surgery, but not every instance requires such serious measures. Chiropractic care has been shown to improve carpal tunnel conditions by reducing pain and enhancing wrist strength and range of motion through tissue manipulation in the arms, wrists, neck and spine.

Patients have proven to be equally satisfied with chiropractic care as with conventional physician treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Although CTS is most common among people in their 50s, it can occur in people as young as 20 – most often those whose work requires stress on the wrist, such as construction workers or office workers.

There are measures you can take to avoid the condition or, if you’re showing symptoms, slow down its progress. These include:

• If performing repetitive tasks, take frequent breaks and do some quick hand stretches. If possible, switch back and forth between hands to perform the task.
• Have a doctor check for any underlying conditions that may be causing your carpal tunnel pain or that could be aggravating it.
• Use assistive devices such as ergonomic keyboards, gel pads for your mouse, supportive chairs and wrist supports when you sleep.
• Maintain a healthy body weight and get plenty of exercise to keep your joints and muscles at their strongest.