Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common disorder that is caused when there is elevated pressure inside a wrist on a certain nerve known as the median nerve. It's the most common disorder of the hand. Here at Robin Wellness Center in Robbinsdale MN, our chiropractor treats patients for carpal tunnel syndrome without medication or surgery.
What Makes Up the Carpal Tunnel
The carpal tunnel is a narrow opening or canal that's found in each wrist. It facilitates the median nerve and associated tendons in attaching to the fingers. The bottom of the tunnel consists of the carpal bones, and its top is a tough ligament that holds the tunnel together. It's the median nerve that provides feeling to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger of each hand.
Who is at a High Risk of Developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Anybody who repeatedly uses their wrists at work or in sports is at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Others who are at a higher risk include office workers, those who work on production lines, mechanics, construction workers, and those who work with tools.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The symptoms of the disorder generally develop slowly over time and often at night when relaxing or sleeping. Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Numbness and tingling.
- Loss of sensation, especially in the fingertips of the affected hand.
- Difficulty grasping objects.
- Difficulty writing or even using a keyboard.
- Loss of hand strength.
Chiropractic Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Our chiropractor can diagnose median nerve impingement with a few simple tests. In treating the condition, it's our objective to treat the specific source of the condition rather than its symptoms. Although carpal tunnel syndrome is a wrist and hand disorder, it's commonly caused by misalignment of the cervical spine which is located at neck level. The median nerve originates from the cervical spine at the bottom of the neck. When vertebral misalignment occurs at that level of the spine, the median nerve can be involved and be compressed. That compression causes the nerve to swell, and when that happens, there's just not enough room in the carpal tunnel to accommodate the nerve. Treatment would involve gentle chiropractic adjustments of the cervical spine to realign displaced vertebrae, take the pressure off of the median nerve and restore strength and mobility of the affected hand. Other painless treatment modalities might also be used.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Chiropractor for Carpal Tunnel Treatment in Robbinsdale, MN
Call Robin Wellness Center today at (763) 746-1244 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor.