Help With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) has become one of the most widespread occupational health problems we face today. It affects millions of people a year, and with our growing reliance on computers there seems to be no end in sight. The syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve just above the wrist. Pressure on this nerve can be caused by an injury or sustained use from common activities like typing, chopping, hammering, or pushing. Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome range from wrist pain, numbness, tingling, burning, weakness or loss of grip strength, and loss of sleep due to discomfort. The pathophysiology is not completely understood but can be considered compression of the median nerve traveling through the carpal tunnel (wikipedia).

The carpal tunnel is a compartment located in the wrist. A total of nine flexor tendons and the median nerve pass through the carpal tunnel that is surrounded on three sides by the carpal, or wrist bones that form an arch. The median nerve and these tendons provide function, feeling, and movement to some of the fingers.

Workplace Causes of Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

Workplace causes of carpal tunnel symptoms include such things as working at a computer, insufficient or incorrect desk and chair height, constant usage of tools especially in a twisting motion, picking up stacks of files and having to grip things tightly in a repetitive fashion. All of these motions and positions place abnormal stress on the median nerve at the wrist, elbow, shoulder and neck. The key to treating this condition is understanding where the stress to the nerve is located, and what is the causative force producing the stress.

Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are a number of different ways to treat this condition. In most cases, a chiropractic adjustment to the affected area is an extremely effective solution. In some cases, a misalignment in either the back, neck, elbow or wrist can cause this condition, and chiropractic manipulation of the neck and/or spine can also serve as an effective treatment option. These treatments, along with physical therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises, can in most cases effectively alleviate and eventually eliminate the symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.