Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ~ Ask Your Hazelwood Chiropractor

For those experiencing hand pain or numbness, they automatically assume it is carpal tunnel syndrome or CTS. However,

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

CTS is a compression of the median nerve in the wrist that results in a specific pattern of numbness in the hand which include the thumb and first 2 fingers.

As the median nerve passes through the wrist, it travels through a tunnel

Numbness pattern of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

formed by the bones of the wrist and and the transverse carpal ligament. (see diagram) Compression or narrowing of this tunnel can result in pressure and irritation of the median nerve and the resulting numbness or tingling.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

The most common cause of CTS is some form of repetitive stress or motion of the wrist. While many assume that typing is the biggest cause, research has demonstrated that typing is not one of the major causes.

For many, there is not a single cause of carpal tunnel, but it develops when many risk factors combine. Some of these risk factors include:

  • > Injury to the wrist
  • > Conditions that damage nerves, such as diabetes
  • > Conditions that produce inflammation in the body such as rheumatoid arthritis
  • > Pregnancy
  • > Other conditions such as obesity, thyroid disorders and kidney failure

Because of the many possible combinations, proper evaluation is necessary to determine the best possible treatment.

What is the treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome?

The treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome varies and is based on the determined cause. Treatment forms can be as simple as rest and bracing to the more extreme surgery, known as a carpal tunnel release.  Proper diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.

Can chiropractic treatment help me?

In many cases, chiropractic care is the most successful and conservative form of care for CTS. The chiropractic approach includes adjustment or manipulation to decompress the median nerve in the wrist. In additions, there may be additional pressure on the nerve roots in the neck due to misaligned spinal bones that also require manipulation or adjusting.

Since graduating in 1984 from Life Chiropractic College, Dr. Martin Schmaltz has years of helping people find relief from many types of painful conditions. Call today at (314) 731-4383 or CLICK TO CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION