The Chiropractic approach to Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Who is affected?
It is estimated upon clinical examination that 3.8% of the population suffers from CTS within the general population. CTS is highly related to occupations that require repetitive use of the upper extremity and neck. Factory operators, fabricators, laborers as well as tech support, administrative assistants, and salespersons, are among the most effected by CTS.
What are the Signs and Symptoms?
Burning, numbness, or tingling similar to the feeling of the hand “falling asleep.” Pain is often felt in the thumb, index, and/or middle finger. Symptoms are typically worse at night, and as the condition worsens, weakness and inability to make a fist eventually occurs.
The Medical Approach
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects the hand and arm, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness. The medical approach to treating carpal tunnel syndrome typically involves a variety of options aimed at alleviating symptoms and preventing further progression of the condition.
Non-Surgical Treatments:
Wrist splints: These are often recommended to keep the wrist in a neutral position and reduce pressure on the median nerve.
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Physical therapy: Specific exercises may help improve hand and wrist strength and flexibility.
Surgical Intervention:
Carpal tunnel release: In cases where symptoms are severe or do not improve with non-surgical treatments, a surgical procedure to release the pressure on the median nerve may be recommended.
The Non-medical Approach
The non-medical approach to treating carpal tunnel is largely related to the stretching and relaxation of the wrist musculature. Stretching exercises, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and yoga have been implemented to help improve grip strength and decrease symptoms associated with CTS.
The Chiropractic Approach
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is generally considered a disease of the wrist, and often times the neck is overlooked as a potential cause of symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments to the upper spine and neck and possibly to the wrist and elbow can be employed to reduce pressure from the affected median never at several impingement points.
Subluxations and trauma
The pressure on the nervous system is known as vertebral subluxation. Vertebral subluxations are the result of neurological trauma, and have negative effects on almost every tissue in the body. They cause an inflammatory response that can interfere with normal physiology, biochemistry, neurology, blood supply, or in the case of CTS, all of these.
Studies
The University of Maryland Medical Center conducted a study involving 25 people with CTS diagnoses who showed strength, pain, and range of motion improvement following chiropractic care. In another study involving 91 people, chiropractic care was found to be as effective as braces to help with CTS.
Conclusion
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects many individuals, especially those who spend a significant amount of time using their hands and wrists in repetitive motions. Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive and drug-free approach to managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Chiropractors focus on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system, which can play a crucial role in the function of the hands and wrists. By addressing any misalignments in the spine, particularly in the neck and upper back region, chiropractors can help relieve pressure on the nerves that travel down the arms into the hands.
Through gentle spinal adjustments, chiropractors aim to restore proper alignment and mobility to the spine, which may alleviate symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and wrists. Additionally, chiropractors may recommend specific exercises and stretches to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support the wrists.
While chiropractic care may not be a cure for carpal tunnel syndrome, many patients report improvements in their symptoms and overall function through regular chiropractic adjustments.
References:
Baker NA, Moehling KK, Rubinstein EN, Wollstein R, Gustafson NP, Baratz M. The comparative effectiveness of combined lumbrical muscle splints and stretches on symptoms and function in carpal tunnel syndrome. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2012;93 (1):1-10
hhtp://www.altmd.com/Articles/Chiropractic-for-carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome-CTS.
Davis PT, Hulbert JR, Kassak KM, Meyer JJ. Comparative efficacy of conservative medical and chiropractic treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized clinical trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1998;21(5):317-326.
Please feel free to reach out to your Raleigh Chiropractor at Adapt Chiropractic if you have any questions or would like to explore how chiropractic care may fit into your overall wellness plan.
