Chiropractic Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What Is Carpal Tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome represents an injury due to a pinched nerve in the wrist, described as pain and numbness in the wrist, index and middle fingers, and weakness of the thumb. More numbness occurs at night than during the day, with pain increasing during hand or wrist use. Difficulty gripping objects such as doorknobs or steering wheels may result.

The condition actually occurs in the nerves of the hands, not the muscles. It develops when tissues around the median nerve swell and press on the nerve. The median nerve provides feeling and movement to hand parts. Although other conditions may cause similar pain, carpal tunnel syndrome is "the most common and widely known of the entrapment neuropathies in which the body's peripheral nerves are compressed or traumatized."

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the palm side of the wrist. It protects the main hand nerve and nine tendons allowing finger bending. The median nerve controls sensations and impulses to the fingers and enables movement, running from the forearm into the hand. When tendons become irritated or other parts swell, the median nerve may be compressed, resulting in pain, weakness, or numbness radiating up the arm.

Excessive stress on the median nerve can hinder nerve signals and affect hand movements or touch sensation. Common factors increasing prevalence include family history, health conditions like diabetes or wrist injuries. Activities involving tight grip, excessive wrist movement, or vibration exposure (such as manual labor or chainsaw operation) may initiate the condition.

Trauma, hand or wrist overuse, or prolonged improper positioning contribute to development. High caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol intake can be risk factors. Carpal tunnel syndrome associates with systemic conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, gout, and pregnancy.

The condition is characterized by hand clumsiness while gripping objects or tingling sensation in the thumb, fingers or palms. Pain may extend to the elbow or wrist of both hands, weakening grip strength. It is more common in musicians. Other common causes include driving, painting, writing, or sports like squash or handball. Excessive working hours or computer terminal work may also lead to the condition.

Chiropractic Treatment for Carpal Tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome is commonly treated by chiropractors. Most methods used include manipulative therapy, ultrasound therapy, and wrist supports. Dr. Hinz at Cool Springs Chiropractic in Franklin, TN believes chiropractic treatment is "found to be equally effective as medical treatment for people with this kind of syndrome." Chiropractic can improve strength, range of motion, and relieve pain.

In clinical trials, patients with carpal tunnel syndrome improved significantly in pain reduction, overall function, flexibility, and improved grip and thumb strength after chiropractic management. Another trial showed chiropractic treatment is effective as medical treatment but reported with fewer side effects.

Dr. Hinz uses manipulative therapy involving manipulation of joints and soft tissue extending from the wrist to the cervical spine. Effective conservative treatment includes manual therapy, nutritional recommendations, physical therapy modalities, and wrist supports. These can relieve discomfort and dysfunction and offer longer-term, nonsurgical management.

Dr. Hinz can diagnose and treat CTS. Depending on severity and other factors, treatment varies. In most cases, chiropractic therapy on the affected wrist proved very helpful. Additionally, Dr. Hinz may prescribe resting the hand and wrist for a period, applying a splint to immobilize it, strengthening and stretching exercises, and icing or joint manipulation.

Most chiropractors utilize a technique called Active Release Technique (ART) to treat carpal tunnel syndrome and other soft tissue injuries damaged by repetitive activity. ART treats muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. This conventional treatment is used by professional athletes, including Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods and Carl Lewis, for various soft-tissue conditions.

With ART, Dr. Hinz checks soft tissue on the affected area to locate scar tissue or adhesions combining tissues and causing pain. He then applies pressure to particular areas while instructing movement as directed. This assists repairing length, flexibility, and natural texture to inflamed tissue. Most people instantly feel relief after initiating treatment. As Lance Armstrong stated, "The most important man on the team may have been the chiropractor."

Chiropractic Treatment vs. Modern Medicine

Conventional doctors might advise medication therapy and inject corticosteroids to temporarily alleviate pain and swelling experienced. Usually, these do not address root problems and symptoms recur. The doctor might even suggest surgery for extreme cases. Unfortunately, surgery can lead to scarring and weakening of the transverse ligament. These scars can cause median nerve irritation and symptoms eventually recur. Hence, surgery should only be selected if all other alternative treatment options fail.

Cool Springs Chiropractic Can Help

Carpal tunnel syndrome is becoming one of the world's most widespread work-related hazards. It is a painful and devastating ailment affecting more women than men. Early intervention and treatment results in easier and quicker recovery. Chiropractic care is an established and effective alternative treatment option for CTS. Contact Cool Springs Chiropractic today to set up your consultation and appointment!