Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a peripheral nerve disorder that results in numbness, burning pain, tingling, and weakness in the hand or arm. It is caused by compression of the median nerve as it travels along the carpal tunnel on its way out of the arm. The symptoms vary greatly depending on where the compression occurs and what activities are causing it.
Treatments for Carpal Tunnel
Spinal Manipulation
This is the most effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome if applied at the right time. It can be used as a preventative measure or may be necessary after surgery, prolonged repetitive strain injuries, or other hand conditions. The doctor of chiropractic uses quick, precise spinal adjustments to loosen or loosen the ligaments around the wrist.
Wrist Braces
The primary purpose of these devices is to support the wrist in either a neutral or slightly extended position, making it easier to reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The brace may also help some of the muscles and ligaments injured in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Medications
Several medications may be used when treating carpal tunnel syndrome, including anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, fever reducers, muscle relaxants, antibiotics, and antidepressants. A doctor of chiropractic, massage therapist, or physical therapist all have the knowledge to recommend the proper medication for you.
Surgery
Surgery is typically only recommended when all other forms of treatment have failed and median nerve compression has started affecting everyday life. Once the surgery is completed, doctors usually expect a full recovery within four to six months. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and can be performed as an outpatient or inpatient procedure.
Home Care
Care from a chiropractor, massage therapist, or physical therapist can allow you to get back to your activities as soon as possible. At home care, there is usually an adjustment period where you are told to remain quiet for 24-72 hours after treatment.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel
Pain
The pain from median nerve compression can be mild, but it is usually quite bothersome. The hand or wrist will feel numb and tingly, which may interfere with your ability to grip objects tightly or use a mouse at the computer for long periods.
Numbness
You may also lose sensation in your hand or fingertips. The feeling may be described as a pin-and-needle sensation known as paresthesia, ranging from mild to severe enough to wake you up in the middle of the night.
Weakness
Even less common than numbness are instances where you start noticing weakness in the hand and fingers. You may not be able to grip small items tightly because of the weakness, making it difficult to do any work.
Ulnar Nerve Compression
Traveling down the arm, nerve fibers from the ulnar nerve become compressed between your neck and shoulder blade as they pass through the carpal tunnel. The ulnar nerve is one of two nerves that run in your forearm, like two rivers running parallel next to each other. Between your elbow and wrist are cervical vertebrae, and at some point, the nerves from this area must travel over that space between vertebrae; called a carpal tunnel, it is where a certain amount of tension or compression occurs.
Focal Tenderness
You may notice that certain areas on your hands are more prone to pain than others. Just like determining trigger points in a sore muscle, finding these tender spots will help pinpoint where the problem is located and help give a chiropractor or physical therapist the information they need to treat it correctly.
Blurred Vision
If your median nerve compression is severe enough, you may notice a decline in your ability to focus on small objects at close range. In addition, you may experience blurry vision, drooping of the eyelid, or double vision when looking at things up close.
Who Is Most At Risk Of Developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
People who make repetitive motions for more than five hours daily are at the highest risk of developing median nerve compression. These individuals are involved in certain professions that require a lot of fine motor control, such as writers, carpenters, musicians, and assembly line workers.
Other factors such as posture and weight also play a role in the development of median nerve compression; women who are overweight or have large breasts between the ages of 30 to 50 have an increased risk for developing this condition. In addition, some people have smaller than average carpal tunnels, which is known as having a small anatomical structure.
FAQs
Are there any gender differences in a carpal tunnel?
There is evidence that men have a higher incidence of median nerve compression than women, and it has been suggested that this may be related to the anatomy of the carpal tunnel. The relative thickness of ligaments, tendons and joint capsules around the wrist may affect who develops median nerve compression. For example, women with small wrists often have larger ligaments and tendons than their male counterparts. In addition, since many men are shorter than women, they are more likely to overextend their wrists in daily tasks such as typing. Therefore men could be more susceptible to developing smaller carpal tunnels over time than women with equal physiques or activities.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
The most common way to diagnose median nerve compression is through a physical examination with an orthopedic hand surgeon. At your initial visit, the doctor will ask you questions about how the pain started, when it started, and what makes your symptoms better or worse. Often, people have a history of wrist, elbow, or shoulder pain that worsens when performing specific activities for prolonged periods, such as lifting/lowering groceries, inflating tires, and typing/mousing at a computer. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor will test for it by pushing on the nerve as it goes through the wrist. This test is called Tinel’s sign. The doctor will also look at each finger individually to determine if a decreased sensation can be felt with a light touch or abnormal resistance to movement.
When should I contact my doctor if I have carpal tunnel syndrome?
Contact your doctor as soon as you can if you experience the following symptoms. These include wrist swelling or altered function, tingling and numbness in the fingers, pain with movement of the wrist or wrist and fingers, difficulty catching a ball, and shoes that feel tight when wearing them for extended periods. You will also want to ask your doctor if symptoms tend to occur after specific tasks such as typing, performing overhead charges, and prolonged sports activities such as tennis.
How many people have carpal tunnel syndrome?
Although the exact number of people with median nerve compression is unknown, millions in the United States are estimated to suffer from this condition. More men than women report symptoms which may be due to the anatomical differences between males and females. Median nerve compression can affect anyone, but it is more common in white middle-aged women.
