Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, the main nerve that travels to the wrist and hand, is compressed causing symptoms. Most people feel some tingling and numbness when the nerve is pinched, but sometimes pain is also felt if the area becomes inflamed.
The carpal tunnel itself is a small space at the base of the hand which houses the median nerve and many muscle tendons covered by a thick band of tissue. Since this area is small and tightly compact, it is easily irritated causing the nerve to get pinched.
Most people get carpal tunnel syndrome from small repetitive motions, like typing or working with tools, over a period of time. It is also important to note that there are neck, shoulder, and even elbow conditions that can generate symptoms just like carpal tunnel syndrome, so an evaluation is necessary to ensure proper diagnosis.
About Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common nerve compression diagnoses. The primary symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are tingling and/or numbness around the hand, especially in the thumb, second and third fingers. These symptoms are the result of irritation and compression of the median nerve resulting in inflammation of the surrounding area. As the inflammation persists, the nerve will become sensitive causing tingling, numbness, and sometimes pain to be felt in the hand and fingers. Most often the symptoms are focused on the thumb, second, and third fingers.
One of the hallmark signs of carpal tunnel is when you find yourself shaking your hand to “wake it up” when feeling tingling, especially at night. Because tingling, numbness, and pain are very general symptoms, carpal tunnel syndrome is often a misdiagnosis of other common conditions. Frequently pinched nerves in the neck or even shoulder problems will present with similar hand symptoms to carpal tunnel syndrome. Other diagnoses that can lead to hand symptoms are:
-Radiculopathy from a pinched nerve or bulging disc in the neck
-Shoulder problems putting pressure on nerves
-Neuropathy from diabetes
These are conditions we also have treatments for at Blue Mountain Wellness!
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CAUSES OF Carpal Tunnel
The main cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive activity placing stress on the hand and wrist. Movements like using a mouse/keyboard for your job or operating machinery place small amounts of repetitive tension on the carpal tunnel. Day by day more pressure is placed on the nerve in the carpal tunnel and eventually, symptoms start to progress. Another huge risk factor in our modern society is mobile phone use. Scrolling, gaming, and texting place a lot of strain on the tendons that travel through the carpal tunnel eventually leading to inflammation and pressure on the median nerve. Often there is not one specific cause of carpal tunnel syndrome and can arise from a combination of the risk factors already discussed which increase the risk of developing this condition.
SYMPTOMs OF Carpal Tunnel
Tingling and/or numbness in the hand, especially the first, second, and third fingers. Can sometimes travel up the arm.
Weakness in the hand and wrist
Pain around the hand and wrist
Electric shock feeling, especially in the first, second, and third fingers which can travel up the forearm
TREATMENT OPTIONS In Lebanon County, PA
There are some excellent options to help resolve carpal tunnel syndrome naturally. At Blue Mountain Wellness, our treatments can reduce symptoms, and help you get back to the activities you love. Our treatment program consists of:
-Chiropractic Adjustments: Corrects alignment and reduces pressure on nerves
-Arthrostim: Low force adjusting tool and muscle therapy device to help reduce pain and muscle tension
-Electric Stimulation Therapy: Relieves pain and relaxes muscles
-Radial Pulse Wave Therapy: Breaks up muscles tension and stiffness
-Class 4 Laser Therapy: Helps reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing around the carpal tunnel
-Home Stretches and Exercises: Promotes correct biomechanics reduces tension in the wrist and hand
-Supplements: Increase healing and reduce inflammation
Schedule an Exam
Our Chiropractic Techniques
Chiropractic Adjustments
Corrects alignment and reduces pressure on nerves
Arthrostim
Low force adjusting tool and muscle therapy device to help reduce pain and muscle tension
Electric Stimulation Therapy
Relieves pain and relaxes muscles
Radial Pulse Wave Therapy
Breaks up muscles tension and stiffness
Class 4 Laser Therapy
Helps reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing around the carpal tunnel
Home Stretches and Exercises
Promotes correct biomechanics and reduces tension in the wrist and hand
Schedule an appointment
We will do everything we can to accommodate your schedule and set up your appointment at Blue Mountain Wellness as soon as possible. Our chiropractors in Lebanon County, PA look forward to seeing you!