How Chiropractic Care Can Ease Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affects upwards of 3 million people per year — and it's only getting more common. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive way to treat the pain associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome safely and effectively. Our team at Get Adjusted Chiropractic provides several services that help ease the pain of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome to achieve our ultimate mission — all of our patients living their ideal life without pain.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is classified as a repetitive stress injury, which occurs when the median nerve becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. This median nerve runs from the forearm to the palm of the hand, found in the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway made of ligaments and bones at the base of the hand, combining the median nerve and the tendons that bend the fingers. The median nerve is incredibly important to our nervous system — it provides feeling to the palm side of the thumb and to the index, middle, and part of the ring fingers, as well as controlling some small muscles at the base of the thumb. When these tendons become irritated or swell, this narrows the tunnel and compresses the median nerve leading to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Numbness, weakness, or pain in the hand, wrist, or forearm are often felt when this occurs.
What are the Common Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be triggered by a variety of wrist injuries or from repetitive movement. Consistent and overuse of the wrist for typing is the most common reason for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in modern society! This syndrome can also be brought on over activity of the pituitary gland, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and even fluid retention from pregnancy. When these symptoms begin, they usually start gradually. It may start with frequent numbness or tingling in the fingers, promondinantly focused in the dominant hand. The hand or wrist may feel swollen or numb when no obvious swelling or injury is apparent. As symptoms become more severe, people suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome have reported tingling feelings during routine activities like holding their phone or driving. This hand weakness makes it more difficult to grasp small tasks and perform manual tasks.
"The earlier a person is evaluated for symptoms pertaining to possible carpal tunnel, the faster someone can be relieved of their symptoms," stresses Dr. Justin Lewis.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is easiest to treat when detected early, so pain levels can be managed from the start. Our team at Get Adjusted Chiropractic will address your discomfort in your problematic wrist and arm.
"When most people hear about carpal tunnel, they immediately think that they need to go to an orthopedist for a surgical release to take pressure off of the median nerve being irritated," explains Dr. Justin Lewis. "In most cases, patients can go to a chiropractor or physical therapist for muscle releasing to take pressure manually off of the nerve, without needing surgical intervention. Carpal tunnel treatment isn't a one time fix, but with repetitive treatments, progress can be seen gradually."
Chiropractic care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome will typically start with a spinal adjustment, focusing on the upper spine. Misalignment of the spine contributes to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms, so it's vital that your spinal health and posture are not exasperating symptoms or pain. "I specialize in ART, or Active Release Technique, which is a manual form of therapeutic treatment that involves long and firm elongation of the muscle to reduce pressure being put on both the nerve and the muscle," states Dr. Justin Lewis.
Prevent long term pain with Get Adjusted Chiropractic! Book an appointment online today or call our office at 845-809-8300 to schedule a visit with Dr. Justin Lewis.
