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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an injury caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist, resulting in pain and numbness in the index and middle fingers and weakness of the thumb.
The carpal tunnel receives its name from the eight bones in the wrist, called carpals, which form a "tunnel" through which the nerve leading to the hand extends.
The Symptoms of CTS Might Hide Another Problem
However, CTS is often misdiagnosed and must be differentiated from such conditions as fascitis, tenosynovitis, or nerve root entrapment in the neck or the elbow, or what are known as double, triple or even quadruple crush syndromes.
At the Pain Relief Centres we very often see CTS that has not been helped by normal medical intervention, even failed surgery – especially failed surgery in both hands!
The reason we see these problems is because of original misdiagnosis because the nerves are trapped in the neck as well as the carpal tunnel. Once the central spinal problem is resolved the CTS improves.
Signs and Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Some easy-to-recognize signs and symptoms of Carpal include the following:
- Night time painful tingling in one or both hands, frequently causing sleep disturbance
- Feeling of uselessness in the fingers
- A sense that fingers are swollen even though little or no swelling is apparent
- Daytime tingling in the hands, followed by a decreased ability to squeeze things
- Loss of strength in the muscle at the base of the thumb, near the palm
- Pain shooting from the hand up the arm as far as the shoulder
Who's Most At Risk From Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
People working with small hand tools in manufacturing and those using a computer keyboard on a regular basis are especially at risk.
Women are more likely than men to develop Carpal Tunnnel Syndrome.
It most commonly occurs in people between the ags of 40 and 60.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is associated with health conditions such as:
- Lyme disease
- Rubella
- Pregnancy
- Menopause.
High caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol intake are contributing risk factors.
What Are the Treatment Options For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Chiropractic
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is commonly treated by chiropractors.
The methods most chiropractors use to treat Carpal Tunnnel Syndrome include manipulation of the wrist, elbow, and upper spine, ultrasound therapy, and wrist supports.
Two studies support the use of chiropractic treatment for CTS.
In the first study, 25 individuals diagnosed with CTS reported significant improvements in several measures of strength, range of motion, and pain after receiving chiropractic treatment. Most of these improvements were maintained for at least 6 months.
A second study compared the effects of chiropractic care with conservative medical care (wrist supports and ibuprofen) among 91 people with CTS. Both groups experienced significant improvement in nerve function, finger sensation, and comfort. The researchers concluded that chiropractic treatment and conservative medical care are equally effective for people with CTS.
Massage
Massage may help prevent or relieve symptoms, especially in combination with rosemary or St. John's Wort oil.
Massage therapy is available at the Pain Relief Centres
Cold Laser Therapy
In the USA cold laser therapy is a recognized and very successful treatment for CTS, as well as wrist/hand arthritis.
Cold Laser Therapy is available at the Pain Relief Centres
Prognosis and Possible Complications with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Most people's symptoms clear up within a few months with conventional treatment. If left untreated, CTS in advanced stages can become quite serious, involving a loss of sensation, muscle deterioration, and permanent loss of function.
So, if you live or work in either the Finchley or Hatfield areas, have Carpal Tunnel syndrome and you are looking for a natural method of pain relief call your nearest Pain Relief Centre now.
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