Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The position of the hand and wrist can ease or worsen the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Temporary relief from symptoms is often obtained by shaking the affected hand in the air, elevating the wrist, or placing the hand in hot water. Placing the wrist in an extended or flexed position, especially for a prolonged period of time, aggravates the symptoms and the condition.

Since decreasing blood flow to the area increases symptoms, it is believed that the median nerve irritation is a result of poor blood supply through the tunnel to the nerve. There may also be a slight amount of hand discoloration, due to this suspected circulatory deficiency.

Although part of the thumb may be involved, the general area of involvement is felt in the index and middle finger. There may be slight difficulty or clumsiness associated with this condition. This is due to the lack of proper nerve function. Grip strength is usually only slightly decreased; however, patients who have this condition regularly report periods of weakness and may have problems with dropping things.

If you think you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, your Doctor of Chiropractic can help diagnose this condition. A careful examination and history can help your chiropractor outline a corrective or palliative (way of controlling and decreasing the symptoms) course of treatment for you to follow.

Chiropractic therapies that help this condition are manipulation of the wrist bones to improve circulation through the tunnel, proper stretching, conditioning, bracing (thumb-loop night brace), therapeutic, and nutritional measures (Extra B6, bromelain, etc.). It is important to follow the advice of your doctor, as this condition is not easily helped by exercise. Ultrasound also demonstrates disappointing results, as the swelling inside the tunnel is shielded by the wrist bones that make up the tunnel. Use of hot and cold hand soaks my therefore be recommended instead of ultrasound therapy to help treat this condition.

Back to Top

DISCLAIMER: Articles posted on this site are for informational purposes only. Articles are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment. Users of this site should consult with their doctors before making any decisions regarding their health care. 

Back Pain | Neck Pain | Headache | Migraine | Dizziness | Pinched Nerve | Numbness | Tingling | Sports Injury | Whiplash | Work Injury
Hip Pain | Knee Pain | Shoulder Pain | Elbow Pain | Carpal Tunnel | Low Back Pain | Sciatica | Disc Condition | Cold Hands / Feet
Arthritis | Bursitis | Tendonitis | Asthma | Stress | Fatigue (CFS) | Fibromyalgia | TMJ (Jaw Pain) | GI (Digestion) | Other Symptoms