An estimated 1 in 10 adults suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in their lifetime.
CTS is a common form of entrapment neuropathy, which happens when peripheral nerves are compressed in a narrow space, such as the tunnel running through the center of your wrist. This compression can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and reduced mobility in your hands.
Here at Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine in Meridian, Idaho, our approach to carpal tunnel syndrome includes chiropractic manipulation of the carpals (wrist bones) and Class 4 laser treatment.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is specifically the compression of the median nerve that runs through your wrist to the palm of your hand.
The median nerve manages the impulses your brain sends to the muscle controlling your thumb and carries sensations to your thumb, index finger, long finger, and part of the ring finger.
If the inside of your wrist is swollen, the tunnel this nerve passes through shrinks, causing compression. Signs of CTS include:
People who work jobs that use repetitive hand and wrist motions (like typing) are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
You’re also more likely to experience CTS if you have a thyroid condition, an autoimmune disease, high blood pressure, a previous wrist fracture or other injury, or peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes.
Women are at greater risk of CTS than men.
You can protect your wrist health by being aware of how you position your wrists and hands, taking frequent breaks from typing or other repetitive motions, and buying an ergonomic chair, desk, keyboard, and mouse.
And you should see a doctor experienced in hand therapy exercises if you start to notice CTS symptoms.
Your doctor can diagnose CTS with a test called a nerve conduction study. It measures the conduction speed of nerve impulses; slow pulses where the nerve passes into your hand are a sign of compression and potential CTS.
While many CTS patients are told they need surgery, at Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine, we take a holistic approach to carpal tunnel syndrome.
We use chiropractic manipulation to help naturally reduce compression and restore normal blood flow and a laser to encourage faster healing.
If you’re suffering from numbness, tingling, or pain in one or both wrists, it’s time to seek professional help. Ask the experts here at Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine. You can schedule a consultation by phone or request your appointment online.
