CARPAL TUNNEL

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a set of symptoms that relates to numbness, tingling, pain, or even some weakness that you will feel within the hand itself.  It is most often a result of direct compression on the median nerve, and the compression can occur in different area’s. Carpal tunnel is usually felt within the thumb and first few fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome most often develops slowly over time. Symptoms may worsen as you progress with your day or perform more activities with your hands and wrists.

What to Look For

Weakness within the hand and wrist may be noticed when trying to grasp or hold objects

Numbness may also present. Having a Chiropractor look at the area of numbness or tingling may help to determine which nerve may be experience compression leading to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Compression of the nerve does NOT just have to happen in the Carpal Tunnel.  You can also have compression of nerves in the forearm, elbow, shoulder or even at their origin in the neck, yet it will produce identical symptoms to Carpal Tunnel.

This is why you should have a Health Care Provider assess the condition to see if they can verify its origin.  Without finding the source of the compression, treatments will produce less than ideal results.

What Symptoms Can It Produce

  • Women are almost 3 times more likely to develop the condition, and you are more prone to developing carpal tunnel syndrome with assembly line type jobs (WEBMD) than with computer or desk jobs.
  • You are more prone to developing carpal tunnel syndrome if your job requires repetitive hand motions.
  • Can range from mild to severe.
  • Pain can travel up the forearm and into the rest of the arm.

What to Do

  • First, even if your symptoms are minimal at this point, ANY nerve compression is harmful.  Have a Chiropractor or Medical Professional assess your condition to verify where the compression may actually be coming from, and to find which nerve may be compressed.
  • Over time, atrophy and permanent loss of sensation and permanent weakness can develop.
  • True Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has direct compression within the carpal tunnel itself.  
  • With Surgery, the ligament that lies over the carpal tunnel is cut to help relieve pressure.  Outcomes for this surgery have been hit and miss.
  • There is an Orthopedic test that can help to assess for Carpal Tunnel called Phalen’s test.  To do this, place the back of both hands against each other, and press them against each other.  If the pain increases, this is a positive test for carpal tunnel.  
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