Chiropractic Care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a fairly common condition–noted mostly among office workers. It is estimated to affect up to 5 percent of America’s adult population. If you have pain, numbness, or tingling–in your hands, wrists, or forearms, you may be dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome.

My advice to patients is always to opt for early diagnosis and treatment. Timely intervention can stop the symptoms from “progressing”. And if left untreated, this condition may cause permanent damage to your nerves. Why go down that road?

Carpal tunnel patients are often advised to go for surgery or other “aggressive” medications for their condition. While these approaches can be effective, some patients prefer a safer and natural method to treat their condition. And that is where chiropractic has proven to be incredibly helpful.

For those looking to dig deeper into this condition- What is carpal tunnel syndrome? What are its causes? And most importantly, how can chiropractic care be of help to you?

Here’s the basic idea-

What exactly is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

I will try and keep it simple. The “Carpal tunnel” is a narrow passageway in your wrist. And the median nerve starting from the cervical spine runs through the carpal tunnel. Now, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when tissues around the wrists “compress” the median nerve. The transverse carpal ligament (the fibrous roof of the carpal tunnel), for instance, may tighten–causing pressure on the nerves. Or the capitate bone may impinge the nerve going from the wrist to fingers in some cases. These conditions usually lead to pain, tingling, or numbness in your arm or hand.

For most patients, the symptoms tend to be worse on the side of their thumbs. The pain or numbness may also travel up the forearms and into your shoulders. This often makes it difficult to get by basic everyday activities. For some patients, even holding a cup or a glass becomes challenging.

Leaving this untreated may cause permanent damage to the median nerve. And that would make way for chronic symptoms and pain. When the damage associated with carpal tunnel syndrome gets too severe–surgery is often the only option left. For patients looking to avoid such complications, I suggest early interventions. And in my office, chiropractic care has been one of the most effective solutions to this problem.

Chiropractic care for Carpal Tunnel

At Lotus Chiropractic Care, my aim would be to address the underlying cause of your carpal tunnel syndrome. Once I have a close look at a patient’s condition–there are 3 steps I usually take for carpal tunnel treatment-

• If your carpal tunnel syndrome is a result of problems in the upper spine or misalignments, spinal manipulation may prove useful. Depending on the patient’s condition or preferences, I either perform manual adjustments–or use special instruments for gentle adjustments. Realigning the spine to its correct position has often been effective in treating the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

• I also make adjustments to a patient’s arms or wrists–because this condition is often a result of pressure in the carpal tunnel. Gentle adjustments around this area have been key in removing nerve impingements, reducing pressure, and even loosening the transverse carpal ligament. Also, simple massage therapies may do wonders! It can help relax and “lengthen” the muscles around your wrists–often reducing pain and inflammation.

• Your life outside this clinic plays a very important role in your treatment. The nature of your work or your lifestyle–for instance, may be affecting your condition. So, there always are some changes that can be made to prevent carpal tunnel in the future. Or reduce its risks–at the least.

Depending on the nature of your everyday life, I will walk you through some healthy changes and preventive measures you may take. Holistic wellness is always a priority here.

Recovery from carpal tunnel syndrome is usually a process. And at Lotus Chiropractic Care, our aim would be to speed up the healing and keep your body in the best of health. Dr. Tanvi Desai will diagnose your condition and develop a personalized program of treatment to help you.

Your health and wellbeing deserve the finest attention.