Assembly line workers, motorcyclists, and professional violinists don’t seem like they would have a lot in common, but our carpal tunnel syndrome chiropractor here at Vital Wellness Center wouldn’t agree. This guide will help you understand the symptoms and causes of carpal tunnel dysfunction. Plus, it will give you more information on how chiropractic for carpal tunnel syndrome can help our patients.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist is the cause of this condition. One of the most common causes of wrist pain is usually induced by the swelling of this nerve compression. This condition can cause a lot of pain and dysfunction for our patients because the median nerve sends sensory and movement messages between the brain and the thumb and middle three fingers.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Common Causes
Injury, infection, or other underlying health conditions that cause increased swelling can lead to carpal tunnel issues. Long-term physical stress is related to some of the most common reasons for wrist injuries. They are not usually related to broken wrists or other sudden injuries.
When the hands and wrists are used for the same motions over a long period of time, repetitive motion strains can occur. These motions can range from microscopic, like the vibrating handlebars from an all-terrain vehicle, to large movements, like those in a manufacturing plant or on a guitar’s fretboard.
Our chiropractor for carpal tunnel syndrome at Vital Wellness Center most commonly sees this condition in patients with diabetes or occupation specific activities like those performed by workers from industrial plants or offices.
Industrial Plant Work
Processing plant workers have a very high risk of carpal tunnel issues whether they work in an automotive assembly, meat, or other industrial setting. These jobs require workers to do the same tasks for several hours every day which is exactly the recipe needed to cause this condition.
Meat and fish processing workers cause tremendous stress on their wrist tendons which further compounds carpal tunnel syndrome problems due to the long hours they spend gripping equipment. Motorcyclists are also at an increased risk of median nerve and tendon issues from carpal tunnel and may also experience similar pain.
Office Work
People that work a desk job can spend eight hours per day or more typing at a computer which is considered a repetitive motion, just like playing the piano. In addition, this type of work also involves sitting for hours which creates fluid retention and swelling thereby causing more carpal tunnel pain.
Diabetes
Diabetes is known to cause increased fluid retention and inflammation, so this condition can worsen or even cause carpal tunnel problems. Carpal tunnel symptoms occur when the delicate wrist area is swollen and the nerves are compressed. The nerve pain caused by diabetic nerve damage called neuropathy further intensifies the pain associated with carpal tunnel.
Other Conditions Linked With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Medical conditions that lead to excess fluid build-up can cause carpal tunnel because fluid retention increases swelling and worsens carpal tunnel pain. Some of the conditions that lead to excess fluid build-up are wrist fractures, pregnancy, and high blood pressure.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
Carpal tunnel syndrome may begin subtly with one or two symptoms and can also start in only one or two fingers before leading up to the entire wrist or arm. Because of its gradual progression, this syndrome is often easy to miss until the pain severely affects wrist movement and is unbearable. Below you will learn about the most common symptoms we see at Vital Wellness Center.
Numbness
Subtle numbness in the hands and fingers are the beginning symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome which can often be overlooked if you work in a loud processing plant or did a cross-country motorcycle trek. “Pins and needles” are often mild so they are also easily ignored.
Many people think they moved strangely in their sleep since symptoms tend to travel up the arm and often occur at night. Here at Vital Wellness Center, we begin to suspect carpal tunnel syndrome when a patient reports sleeping crookedly on their arm. Holding a smartphone, driving, or doing any other activity that bends the wrist for an extended period of time can lead to numbness of the wrist during the day.
Weakness
The nerves carry sensation signals as well as movement signals to the brain. This means that when the brain-wrist movement pathway is damaged, movement signals will become scrambled, incomplete, or missing, so wrist weakness can follow numbness.
Difficulty with pinching and gripping is caused when the median nerve has issues. This will lead to dropping objects or difficulty buttoning a shirt in everyday life. Many of our patients here at Vital Wellness Center cannot make a fist when they have advanced carpal tunnel dysfunction.
Pain
Pain in the hand, wrist, and forearm can be caused by median nerve compression. Sometimes this pain can be felt all the way to the shoulders. Carpal tunnel pain is usually a later symptom and will gradually occur over time much like other carpal tunnel symptoms. This pain usually develops as a later symptom after numbness and weakness.
Eliminate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Chiropractic Care
Nerve function is the heart of this painful issue and the focus of chiropractic care for carpal tunnel syndrome. Movement and sensation will improve when the nerves are functioning properly. Vital Wellness Center focuses on the whole person, so we offer lifestyle interventions to help improve the overall health of the individual.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Chiropractic Care Methods
Our first step is listening to our patients. Then we see what their body tells us with detailed tests. This will allow us to have a better picture of the patient’s pain so that we can use chiropractic care methods to create a future with less pain.
Chiropractic Adjustment
Gently manipulating the bones of the wrist is called a chiropractic adjustment. This technique helps to release bones that may be causing painful median nerve compression. Range of motion will also increase if the carpal tunnel bones are properly realigned.
Deep Tissue Laser
A valuable addition to care is achieved by increasing the energy production of the cells using deep tissue laser energy. This procedure can help heal nerves, tendons, and other areas involved in proper carpal tunnel function.
Soft Tissue Work
Working away any muscle tension that interferes with proper carpal tunnel function is done with soft tissue work and can provide pain relief. Freeing the muscles of adhesions that limit their movement is a major focus of the two soft tissue techniques we use at Vital Wellness Center. Pain will often decrease as function improves.
Rehabilitative Exercise
Reducing pain can also be achieved through exercise. Boosting circulation and bringing oxygen and other vital nutrients to the tissues is accomplished with exercise. Our targeted exercise program helps patients strengthen the entire upper body to help improve overall function.
Carpal Tunnel Relief for You
Did you find Vital Wellness Center by searching for a “carpal tunnel syndrome chiropractor near me?” If so, it’s time to stop the search and call us today so we can help you gain relief from carpal tunnel pain and dysfunction. We’re confident in the care we provide and have many patient testimonials on our site so that you can see what we can do for you.
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