Introduction
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome falls into the category of neurological conditions labeled nerve entrapment disorders and is by far the most common of these disorders. As the term “nerve entrapment” infers, these disorders show up when a nerve is trapped or compressed between body tissues creating inflammation and impairment of the nerve.
Anatomy
The carpal tunnel rests within the underside of the wrist. It is a tunnel, or passage, through which the Median nerve travels on its way to energize and animate the hand and fingers. Along with the median nerve, the carpal tunnel includes the nine tendons of the forearm muscles that are responsible for bending and flexing of the fingers and thumb. There are also arteries and lymphatic vessels that supply circulation to the hand located within the tunnel. The bottom and sides of this tunnel are formed by wrist bones and the top of the tunnel is covered by a strong band of connective tissue called the transverse carpal ligament. The carpal tunnel is an intensely-packed space about the size of an index finger. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are intended to glide easily past each other during wrist and finger movement.
If the size of the tendon enlarges due to irritation or overuse, or if the carpal tunnel size dimenishes because of a misalignment of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become compressed or entrapped within the carpal tunnel. In the beginning, carpal tunnel symptoms often include, pain, numbness, pins and needles, and tinging in the fingers and hand, particularly the thumb and adjacent two fingers. These symptoms are especially noticeable in the night and often wake people from their sleep as the individual has to sit up in bed and shake-out and/or rub the hands in order decrease these unpleasant feelings. In addition, activity can cause the hands to feel awkward or weak, and fatigue easily. Over time, the ability to grip small objects using the thumb and fingers can be affected severely and if left untreated, can lead to total dysfunction of the hand.
Some common causes and associated conditions are:
- repetitive and forceful grasping with the hands
- prolonged computer usage especially with poor wrist position
- activities that require repetitive bending of the wrist
- broken or dislocated bones in the wrist which produce swelling
- arthritis, especially the rheumatoid type
- thyroid gland imbalance
- sugar diabetes
- hormonal changes associated with menopause or pregnancy
Though any of the causes and conditions listed can be instrumental in contributing to the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, often the actual root cannot be found. However, people who perform jobs that require use of vibration tools and machinery, and/or work in extreme temperatures are often subjected to this condition. Even household activities as simple as repetitive wringing clothes by hand can help cause this syndrome. By far the most significant reason for the increase of people suffering with CTS is the continuous rise in the use of computers. This is becoming a major concern in the developed world where people of all ages are spending much of their time typing on a keyboard & clicking on a mouse.
Treatment
Proper diagnosis and management of this condition is essential in order to curtail the disabling symptoms associated with the advancement of CTS. Your Ventura Chiropractor has many years of experience in this area. Chiropractors are equipped to deal with this problem and can offer many sufferers with relief. In addition to chiropractic adjustments of the wrist joints, treatment by chiropractor may include inflammation reduction therapy such as ultrasound or low level laser. Electromusclestim can often help to strengthen the weak muscles of the forearm and soft tissue massage is effective in stretching contracted tissues. Your chiropractor may suggest that you wear a splint or support, especially at night, to aid in the decompression of the carpal tunnel. Your Ventura Chiropractor will also give you specific exercises to stretch and/or strengthen muscles of the forearm and hand.