What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and How Chiropractic Can Help
Today, there are a lot of jobs that involve sitting behind a desk. With a lot of people working from home, many people are sitting in front of a computer all day, too. Even though it is great that computers can automate a lot of the tasks that we used to do by hand, this also places a lot of stress on our fingers, hands, and wrists. Therefore, it is not unusual for people to develop something called carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have been told that you are at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, what does this mean? How can a chiropractor help? Keep reading to learn more below!
What Is the Carpal Tunnel?
As the name suggests, carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can impact the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is an area in your forearm that connects your wrists to your hands and fingers. You have a carpal tunnel located in both your right and left arms.
Specifically, the carpal tunnel is a layer of fascia, which is the connective tissue that protects arteries, nerves, and veins. For example, the carpal tunnel is responsible for protecting the median nerve. The median nerve runs from your shoulder all the way into your hand, providing motor and sensory functions to numerous fingers.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Unfortunately, there are situations where the carpal tunnel can become inflamed. If you place a lot of stress on your forearm and wrist, you increase your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. If you suffer from overuse injuries in your wrist, the carpal tunnel can become inflamed. When this happens, the tunnel can begin to swell, compressing the median nerve.
If you develop carpal tunnel syndrome, there are several symptoms you may notice. These include:
- You may notice paresthesias, which refers to a pins and needles sensation that impacts your fingers.
- You might notice shooting, shock-like pains that travel down your wrist into your hand.
- You may notice numbness or weakness in certain fingers.
If you develop carpal tunnel syndrome, you may have a difficult time typing on a computer, sending text messages, or driving a car. For this reason, you need to seek treatment as quickly as possible.
How can a Chiropractor Help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
There are many people who believe they need surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome; however, the good news is that there are other options available. A chiropractor can take a look at where the inflammation is located in the wrist. Then, he or she can use chiropractic adjustments, making sure all the bones, ligaments, and tendons in the wrist have been properly aligned. By making sure the structure of the carpal tunnel is correct, the body can recover naturally. Inflammation will gradually subside, causing the symptoms to go away. A chiropractor can target the root cause of carpal tunnel syndrome, making sure the symptoms not only get better but also stay better.
See a Chiropractor for Help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Even though you may think you need surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, this is not always the case. Before you set foot in an operating room, be sure to speak to a chiropractor first about what your treatment options are. There are some cases where you might not require surgery, and a chiropractor might be able to address the root cause of the condition, preventing it from coming back in the future. If you treat carpal tunnel syndrome as early as possible, you can place yourself in the best position possible to recover. This can make a significant difference in your overall quality of life.
If you, a loved one or friend is suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, please give us a call. Our Doctor of Chiropractic is here to help you overcome your pain and guide you toward optimal wellness through safe and effective chiropractic care. So give us a call. We’re here to help!