Carpel tunnel syndrome (CTS) is also called “repetitive trauma disorder” or “overuse syndrome” (OS). It occurs when the median nerve of the wrist is irritated.
The wrist is formed by 8 carpel bones into a tunnel like structure (the carpal tunnel), through which the median nerve and 9 tendons pass. Symptoms of CTS include pain, numbness and/or tingling, and weakness of the wrist, hand, and fingers. Sometimes it is so severe that it will awaken the sufferer during the night. CTS can affect anybody that does repetitive tasks with their hands i.e.: secretaries, carpenters, computer workers, musicians, and assembly line workers. CTS has included drugs, cortisone, splints, and surgery, all showing a poor success rate. As a result of poor medical outcomes Robert Mendelsohn, M.D. concluded: “Since the medical treatment for this condition is so often unsatisfactory, I have for years been recommending that my patients consult muscle and joint therapy specialists.”
A number of researchers who found spinal nerve root irritation in patients which had carpel tunnel or ulnarneuropathy have documented the relationship between spinal health and carpel tunnel syndrome. Other researchers have shown that nerve compression in the neck can block the flow of nutrition to the nerves in the wrist. This will increase the chance of injury. Yet another researcher found that out of 1,000 cases of CTS a large number of these sufferers bad neck arthritis.
The treatment your chiropractor will perform will be to gently realign the eight bones of the wrist and potentially the neck as well to reduce the irritation and swelling. When the swelling decreases, so do the carpal tunnel symptoms. With proper care, the bones and nerves to the wrist and the neck will function properly for many years to come. Chiropractic treatment for this ailment is often a first choice because it is non-invasive, gentle, drug free, and surgery free. The aim of the treatment is to move the joints into position so they can work as they were designed to and allow your nerves to function with no interference. Once the joints are properly aligned, the stress in the area is lessened and the pain and numbness are relieved.
In light of what is known about CTS, anyone suffering from it should see a chiropractor to ensure that their spine is free of spinal subluxations. A chiropractic spinal adjustment may make the difference between a pain free wrist and spinal surgery.