The carpal tunnel is located in the wrist which is made up of carpal (wrist) bones, forearm muscle tendons, the median nerve and blood supply to the hand. When there is an increase in pressure in this area resulting in nerve compression it is known as carpal tunnel syndrome. It is the most common type of nerve entrapment occurring in 3-6% of the population.
Symptoms:
- numbness and tingling in the fingers
- pain and/or burning in the wrist, hand and sometimes the forearm which is worse at night or interrupts sleep
- hand weakness (start dropping things)
Contributing Factors:
- congenital predisposition-smaller tunnel
- trauma/injury
- overactive pituitary
- hypothyroidism
- rheumatoid arthritis
- mechanical problems of the wrist joint
- work stress
- repetitive use of vibrating tools
- fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause
- cyst
- women are 3 times more likely to develop than men
Diagnosis:
- thorough medical history and physical examination
- x-rays
- electrodiagnostic testing (EMG/NCV)
Conservative Treatment (recommended first):
- Bracing- a wrist brace that slightly extends the wrist opening the tunnel. Can be worn during the day and at night
- Ice- to reduce inflammation
- Low level laser therapy (cold laser)- fight pain and speed the healing of the irritated/injured nerve
- Soft tissue techniques to loosen the soft tissue surrounding the tunnel and forearms
- Manipulation of the wrist, fingers and elbow to restore normal joint motion
- Stretching and strengthening
If the conservative measures fail, surgery would be the next step.
Prevention:
- regular stretching
- ergonomic evaluation of your work station
- frequent breaks from repetitive activity
Chiropractic management of carpal tunnel, especially procedures utilized by Carone Chiropractic Center, is an excellent first response.