What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a problem of the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand.  Compression of the median nerve causes carpal tunnel syndrome.  The compression occurs within the carpal tunnel-a narrow tunnel at the wrist-made up of bones and soft tissues, such as nerves, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels.  The compression may result in pain, weakness, and/or numbness in the hand and wrist, which radiates up into the forearm.  CTS is the most common of the “entrapment neuropathies”-compression or trauma of the body’s nerves in the hands or feet.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Burning, tingling, itching, and/or numbness in the palm of the hand and thumb, index, and middle fingers are most common.  Some people with CTS say that their fingers feel useless
and swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent.  Since many people sleep with flexed wrists, the symptoms often first appear while sleeping.  As symptoms worsen, they may feel tingling during the day.  In addition, weakened grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist or grasp small objects.  Some people develop wasting of the muscles at the base of the thumb.  Some are unable to distinguish hot from cold by touch.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Some people have smaller carpal tunnels than others, which makes the median nerve compression more likely.  In others, CTS can develop because of an injury to the wrist that causes swelling, over-activity of the pituitary gland, hypothyroidism, diabetes, inflammatory arthritis, mechanical problems in the wrist joint, poor work ergonomics, repeated use of vibrating hand tools, and fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause.

Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome should be diagnosed and treated early.  A standard physical examination of the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck can  help determine if your symptoms are related to daily activities or to an underlying disorder.  Your doctor of chiropractic can use other specific tests to try to produce the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Chiropractic joint manipulation and mobilization of the wrist and hand, stretching and strengthening exercises, soft tissue mobilization techniques, and even yoga can be helpful.  Occasionally, patients whose symptoms fail to respond to conservative care may require surgery.

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