Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most expensive of all work-related injuries. Over his or her lifetime, a carpal tunnel patient loses about $30,000 in medical bills and time absent from work.
Carpal tunnel syndrome typically occurs in adults, with women 3 times more likely to develop it than men. The dominant hand is usually affected first, and the pain is typically severe. Carpal tunnel syndrome is especially common in assembly-line workers in manufacturing, sewing, finishing, cleaning, meatpacking, and similar industries. Contrary to the conventional wisdom, according to recent research, people who perform data entry at a computer (up to 7 hours a day) are not at increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a problem of the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve gets compressed in 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.
Carpal tunnel syndrome 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?
Burning, tingling, itching, and/or numbness in the palm of the hand and thumb, index, and middle fingers are most common. Some people with
carpal tunnel syndrome 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.
Why Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Develop?
Some people have smaller carpal tunnels than others, which makes the median nerve compression more likely. In others,
carpal tunnel syndrome 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.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Your doctor of chiropractic will perform different orthopedic tests to
your wrists, shoulders and neck to determine the source of the pain.
Sometimes there could be overlapping conditions that mimic carpal tunnel
syndrome symptoms.
What Is the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment?
Initial therapy can include:
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Ultrasound, cold laser, ice and interferential stim to reduce inflammation in the carpal tunnel
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Chiropractic joint manipulation and mobilization of the wrist and hand, stretching and strengthening exercises, soft-tissue mobilization techniques
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Resting the affected hand and wrist
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Avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms
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Immobilizing the wrist in a splint at night to avoid further damage from twisting or bending
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Some medications can help with pain control and inflammation. Studies have shown that vitamin B6 supplements may relieve carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
How Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome be Prevented?
The American Chiropractic Association recommends the following tips:
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Perform on-the-job conditioning, such as stretching and light exercises.
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Take frequent rest breaks.
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Wear splints to help keep the wrists straight.
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Use fingerless gloves to help keep the hands warm and flexible.
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Use correct posture and wrist position.
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To minimize workplace injuries, jobs can be rotated among workers. Employers can also develop programs in ergonomics—the process of adapting workplace conditions and job demands to workers’ physical capabilities.
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Concept Care Chiropractic Wellness provides chiropractic treatments for the following areas: Downers Grove, Westmont, Lombard, Lisle, Chicago, Naperville, Bolingbrook, Oak Brook, Willowbrook,
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