Understanding the Cause Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS is a condition that is caused from pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. When there is pressure on the nerve at this location, it is diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome. If left uncorrected, it may result in permanent nerve damage. This may result in permanent numbness and weakness of the muscles in the hand. This can be very debilitating as it causes a loss of grip strength and sensation.

It is common for those with carpal tunnel syndrome to have tingling or numbness in the hand. This will more specifically occur in the thumb and fingers including the first, second, third and part of the fourth digit. This is because these areas are controlled and innervated by the median nerve. People suffering from CTS often have difficulty sleeping at night because of the pain. People tend to sleep with the wrists in flexion which only increases pressure on the median nerve and exacerbates the symptoms. Some people wear wrist splints to help keep the wrists in extension.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is often misdiagnosed. This often occurs when there is pressure on the median nerve at another location other than the hand or wrist. The median nerve starts in the neck as it exits the spine and passes to the shoulder and then down the arm. When there is nerve irritation in these areas, it can mimic the symptoms of CTS. An example of this might be misaligned bones in the neck which cause nerve irritation and result in referred symptoms down the arm or into the hand.

CTS is commonly caused by fast, repetitive movement of the wrist and hand. Examples of activities that cause this might include typing on a keyboard, playing racquetball, sewing or playing musical instruments. These activities often involve bending and twisting the wrists continuously.

It is important to develop healthy habits to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome. You should avoid repetitive twisting and movement of the hand and wrist when possible. It is important to take breaks often when performing work or activities that require you to perform repetitive movements of the hand or wrist.

Chiropractors are specially trained to help with carpal tunnel syndrome. Chiropractic should be considered before using medication, injections or surgery. Chiropractic is a natural, safe alternative treatment for CTS. Chiropractors can perform specific adjustments to help correct misaligned bones which can trigger symptoms of CTS. They can also perform therapies to help reduce inflammation and relax tight muscles which also exacerbate symptoms of CTS.

- Nathan Leavitt DC

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