Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Q&A

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a serious condition that is characterized by numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers. Carpal tunnel is caused when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes squeezed at the wrist. This can reduce sensation in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are:

• Numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and the ring finger
• Pain in the hand and wrist
• Weakness in the hand
• Difficult to grip objects
• Dropping objects
• Waking up at night with numbness in the hand

What are the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome?

The most common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is overuse or repetitive movements in the hand and wrist. This can happen from activities such as typing, using a mouse, sports, or playing video games. Other causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Injury to the wrist
• Pregnancy
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypothyroidism
• Obesity
• Narrowing of the carpal tunnel due to age or genetics

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may also order tests such as an electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test to measure the function of the median nerve.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

The treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity of your symptoms. In mild cases, treatment may include:

• Rest of the hand and wrist
• Wrist splint
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Ice Therapy
• Heat Therapy

In more severe cases, treatment may include:

• Injections of corticosteroid medication into the carpal tunnel
• Surgery to release the pressure on the median nerve

How can I prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?

There are a few things you can do to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, such as:

• Taking breaks from repetitive movements
• Using proper ergonomics for hands and wrists
• Strengthening the muscles in your hand and forearm
• Losing weight if recommended
• Avoiding activities that aggravate your symptoms

What are some alternative treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome?

There are a number of alternative treatments that have been shown to be effective for carpal tunnel syndrome, such as:

• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Carpal tunnel stretches
• Yoga
• Tai chi
• Chiropractic Care

What are specific chiropractic techniques used to treat carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

At Indian Harbor Chiropractic we know that misalignments of the spine, or vertebral subluxations, can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. We use a variety of techniques to adjust the spine and improve its alignment including:

Chiropractic Adjustment

Chiropractic adjustments can realign your spine or other parts of the body, reduce tension, and alleviate discomfort due to carpal tunnel symptoms and pain. Chiropractic treatments Dr. Gailes offers at Indian Harbor Chiropractic include motion palpation, spinal adjustments, activator application, drop table care, and neuromuscular therapy to reduce pressure on the median nerve and improve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Spinal manipulation therapy (SMT)

Spinal manipulation is a technique where Dr. Gailes will apply a controlled thrust to a joint of the spine. This motion moves the joint more than it would on its own. SMT is actually a collection of techniques which include massage or mobilization of soft tissue, adjustment of spinal subluxations, trigger point therapy, cross-friction massage, active release therapy, and mechanical traction on an area of the spine or on an extremity.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS sends electrical pulses through the skin to start your body's own painkillers. The electrical pulses can release endorphins and other substances to stop pain signals in the brain. TENS can reduce pain. Tens also works on muscles and causes muscle contractions by stimulating α-motor neurons. It is highly effective in improving muscle function, strengthening muscles, and improving joint range of motion.

Transverse Friction Massage Therapy

This technique involves using the thumbs or fingers to apply a firm, rubbing motion to the median nerve to reduce inflammation and improve nerve function.

Laser therapy

Dr. Gailes is currently the only chiropractor in Greenwich, CT offering Class IV Laser Therapy. Dr. Gailes uses chiropractic adjustments and laser therapy to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and speed up recovery times for all types of injuries. Laser therapy will reduce pain by over 50% in three to four treatments and can complement chiropractic adjustments or be used as an independent form of treatment.

Begin with chiropractic care today

For complete carpal tunnel symptom relief call the Indian Harbor Chiropractic office or schedule an appointment online today.
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