Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve controls the thumb, index, ring finger, and parts of the middle finger.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand which houses the median nerve and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed.

This can cause pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. Although painful sensations may indicate other conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common. Symptoms usually start gradually with frequent burning, tingling, and or numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers. A person with carpal tunnel syndrome may wake up feeling the need to shake their hands or wrist. If not treated, you may lose your grip strength, which then will make it difficult for you to grasp small objects and/or perform other manual tasks and eventually your thumb and hand muscles waste away.

Some of the things that cause carpal tunnel syndrome are congenital predisposition(the carpal tunnel is smaller than others), trauma or injury to the wrist, sprain or fracture, mechanical problems to the wrist joints, repeated use of vibrating tools, fluid retention during pregnancy, or a tumor or cyst developing in the canal. Repetitive and forceful movements of the hand during work or activity can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be prevented by performing stretches, taking frequent rest breaks, and wearing splints. One other thing you can do to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome is performing the NeurostructuralIntegration Technique (NST). NST is a gentle massage technique that has permanently resolved the problem for most people.

A chiropractic adjustment has also been shown to help with carpal tunnel syndrome.