Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers. It is common in people who use repetitive motions of the hand and wrist, such as data entry and typing. When the wrist is positioned poorly the median nerve is cramped passing through to the hand. The pressure exerted on the median nerve at the point where it passes through the wrist causes the symptoms.
The median nerve supplies sensation to the thumb-side of the ring finger and movement to part of the hand. It enters the hand between the wrist bones (carpal bones) and the tough membrane that holds the carpal bones together, and the space where it passes is called the carpal tunnel. Because the carpal tunnel is rigid, any swelling causes compression of the median nerve and pain.
Symptoms
- Weakness in one or both hands
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of the hand
- Numbness or tingling in the palm of the hand
- Hand or wrist pain in one or both hands
- Pain extending to the elbow
- Impaired fine finger movements in one or both hands
- Weak grip or difficulty carrying objects such as bags
- Atrophy (wasting away) of the muscular bulge under the thumb
How Chiropractic Therapy Can Help
Chiropractic care works on relieving pain and correcting complications associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Chiropractic therapy includes determining whether upper (cervical) spine misalignments are causing the symptoms, and relieving related pressure along with gentle manipulation of your arm. Dr Forster will also recommend ergonomic corrections to help carpal tunnel, as well as draw on acupuncture and other therapies to tailor treatment for each patient.
Call (813) 788-3232 today for a complimentary consultation.