What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve, which runs from your neck, through the arm, and into the hand. The nerve passes through a small passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. When there’s too much pressure on the median nerve, it can lead to symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, like pain, tingling, or numbness in the wrist and fingers.

These symptoms often worsen at night, especially when the wrist is bent forward. Over time, the condition can affect your ability to perform everyday tasks, especially those requiring fine motor skills. If left untreated, carpal tunnel can cause permanent nerve damage, making it essential to seek care early.

Common Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can vary in intensity and duration. They typically start gradually and worsen over time if not treated. Here are some of the most common symptoms you might experience:

• Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, sometimes extending to the ring finger.
• Weakness in the hand, making it difficult to grasp objects or perform fine motor tasks.
• Wrist pain that worsens with repetitive movements or wrist positions.
• Nighttime symptoms, particularly when your wrist is bent forward while sleeping.

These symptoms can make even the simplest tasks, like typing or holding a pen, feel challenging. Over time, the discomfort can spread to the arm and shoulder, affecting overall mobility.

Causes and Risk Factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Many factors can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, from repetitive hand motions to underlying health conditions. Some common risk factors include:

– Repetitive motions such as typing, cashiering, or assembly line work.

– Health conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect nerve function and increase swelling in the carpal tunnel.

– Occupational safety issues, particularly for people who work with their hands and wrists bent for extended periods.

– Pregnancy, where swelling and hormonal changes can trigger carpal tunnel syndrome.

While these factors don’t guarantee you’ll develop carpal tunnel, they can increase your risk.

How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?

Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome typically involves a combination of a physical exam, patient history, and diagnostic tests. When you visit our Oviedo chiropractors, we’ll conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include:

– Physical exams to assess your wrist, hand, and arm for any signs of weakness, numbness, or pain.

– Nerve conduction studies to measure how well electrical impulses are transmitted along your median nerve.

– Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to view the soft tissues in your wrist and rule out other causes of your symptoms.

Through these methods, we can diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome accurately, ensuring you get the proper care.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

At ProCare Oviedo Chiropractors, we believe in treating carpal tunnel syndrome using conservative, nonsurgical treatments before recommending more invasive procedures. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective option for managing carpal tunnel syndrome and relieving its symptoms. Here are some of the treatments we offer:

Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments can reduce pressure on the median nerve by improving the alignment of the neck, wrist, and forearm. The median nerve travels from the neck, through the shoulder, and into the wrist, so an issue anywhere along this path can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. By adjusting these areas, we aim to relieve pressure and restore normal nerve function, lessening stress on the affected wrist.

Wrist Splints and Braces

Wearing a wrist splint can help keep the wrist in a neutral position, particularly at night when symptoms tend to worsen. A wrist brace can also prevent the wrist from bending forward, which can exacerbate symptoms. Splinting can be particularly effective in the early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome to prevent further damage.

Nerve Gliding Exercises

Our chiropractors may also recommend nerve gliding exercises to help the median nerve move more freely within the carpal tunnel space. These exercises aim to reduce inflammation and improve the flexibility of the transverse carpal ligament, which can help prevent symptoms from worsening.

Lifestyle Modifications

Making small changes to your daily routine can also help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from progressing. We may recommend ergonomic adjustments at work, like keeping your wrists in a neutral position while typing or avoiding repetitive motions that aggravate the condition. Simple changes can reduce your symptoms significantly and lessen stress on the wrist joint.

Pain Management

For some patients, pain relief is an immediate priority. In addition to adjustments, we may suggest nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling, or we may use physical therapy techniques to improve wrist strength and flexibility.

When Is Carpal Tunnel Surgery Necessary?

In some cases, conservative treatments may not be enough to manage carpal tunnel syndrome, especially if the condition is advanced. If symptoms persist or worsen despite chiropractic care, we may refer you for a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon to discuss carpal tunnel surgery options.

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

The most common surgical procedure for carpal tunnel is carpal tunnel release surgery. During this procedure, the surgeon cuts the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Endoscopic surgery may also be an option, offering a less invasive approach with faster recovery times.

However, surgery is typically considered a last resort. Our goal at ProCare Oviedo Chiropractors is to help you avoid carpal tunnel syndrome surgery by offering effective, non-invasive treatments.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Even if you don’t have severe symptoms yet, chiropractic care can play an important role in preventing carpal tunnel syndrome from developing. Regular chiropractic adjustments can keep your wrist bones and spine in proper alignment, reducing the risk of nerve compression. By addressing potential issues early, you can prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and enjoy better long-term health.

Get Help for Your Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Today

If you’re struggling with carpal tunnel symptoms like tingling, pain, or numbness, don’t wait until your condition worsens. At ProCare Oviedo Chiropractors, we specialize in treating carpal tunnel syndrome with personalized, nonsurgical treatments that address the root cause of your symptoms. We proudly serve patients in Oviedo, Chuluota, Winter Springs, UCF, and the surrounding Metro Orlando areas.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you relieve pain and restore your wrist’s function without surgery.