Posts Tagged ‘carpal tunnel pain’
Introduction
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most common nerve entrapment disorder. As the name infers, these conditions occur when a nerve is trapped or constricted between other tissues of the body causing irritation and dysfunction of the nerve.
Anatomy
The carpal tunnel is situated in the underside of the wrist and is a passageway in which the median nerve travels through on its way to innervate the hand and fingers. In addition to the median nerve, the carpal tunnel contains 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 provide 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 a thickly-packed space about the size of an index finger. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are designed to glide without friction 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 decreases due to a misalignment of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become compressed or entrapped by the carpal tunnel. At first, carpal tunnel symptoms often include, pain, numbness, pins and needles, and tinging in the fingers and hand, particularly the thumb and adjacent two fingers. The symptoms are markedly apparent at night, often awakening the sufferer from sleep and making it necessary for the person to “shake out” or rub the hands in an attempt to relieve the unpleasant sensations. The hands can also feel awkward, weak and fatigue easily with activity. Over time, the ability to grip small objects using the thumb and fingers can be affected dangerously 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 partly responsible for 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. However, the continuing increase in computer use is the most compelling explanation for the number of individuals who are suffering with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome today. 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. I as, a 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. Treatment by chiropractor can include ultrasound or low level laser to help reduce inflammation, electro therapy to strengthen weak muscles of the forearm, soft tissue massage to stretch contracted tissues and, of course, adjustments of the dysfunctional joints of the wrist. You might be advised to 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.