Carpal tunnel syndrome is a wrist condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel, which is the wrist’s narrow passageway. Carpal tunnel syndrome affects around 5% of the adult population, causing an average of 28 days of missed work.
The compression of the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome triggers a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the fingers, hand, and arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are often worse at night or after activities that strain the wrist. Factors such as repetitive wrist motions, certain medical conditions, and hormonal changes, can increase pressure on the median nerve and lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Conventional treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome generally involve anti-inflammatory medications, wrist splints, and, in severe cases, surgery. However, medications and invasive treatments can have side effects or limited long-term benefits, leading many to consider chiropractic care as an alternative. Chiropractic treatment provides a non-invasive, holistic treatment that combines chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue manipulations, and personalized care.
The goal of chiropractic is to alleviate symptoms, improve hand strength, and address the underlying factors responsible for the condition without the patient relying on medications. Chiropractors also offer relevant lifestyle advice that can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.
This article will consider in more detail the symptoms, causes, and natural treatment options of carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as the relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome and chiropractic.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a compressive neuropathy that is characterized by pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness in the fingers, wrist, and hand due to a compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel.
Nerves are like electrical cables that send information from the brain to the rest of the body. Depending on their functions, nerves can be classified as sensory (receive and interpret stimulation of the senses), motor (allows for voluntary and involuntary movements in the body), and interneurons (connect motor and sensory neurons).
The median nerve is one of the main nerves in the arm, and it serves as a motor nerve to the forearm, wrist, and hand, while also being a sensory nerve to the palm and four fingers (specifically, the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger). The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel, which is a narrow passageway on the front of the wrist that serves as an entrance to the palm for several tendons (strong bands of tissues that connect muscles to bones).
A nerve in the arm can be compressed as it passes through the arm, and that condition is known as compressive neuropathy. Nerve compression alters the function of the nerve, and depending on whether the nerve is motor or sensory, movement, and normal sensation in a part or the whole arm may be affected. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common of the compressive neuropathies, and in this case, there is compression of the median nerve in its journey through the carpal tunnel, leading to different symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include wrist pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the fingers. Sometimes, the discomfort from carpal tunnel syndrome may extend to the forearm and elbow, typically worsening at bedtime.
There are different symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, and they may present differently to different people. CTS symptoms occur at night while lying down in the early stages of having the condition, and they tend to improve during the day. Most patients start to experience these CTS symptoms more frequently during the day with time, especially when doing activities that flex the wrist. Over time, the symptoms may become constant.
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are also similar to those of classic neuropathy cases, and they are listed below.
- Pain (usually in the wrist region, but may extend to the upper arm and elbow)
- Weakness of the hand and fingers
- Loss of hand coordination
- Paraesthesia (tingling and numbness)
What Are the Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Pressure on the median nerve above normal levels is the primary cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Now, what causes this pressure to increase above normal levels is still not very well known. However, while science does not yet have all the answers on the exact cause of carpal tunnel syndrome, several factors have been associated with an increased risk of getting the condition.
Some of the potential causes and risk factors of carpal tunnel syndrome are listed below.
- Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and infectious arthritis
- Fractures
- Dislocations of the wrist
- Hormonal disorders, including hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) and acromegaly (too much growth hormone)
- Pregnancy
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Alcoholism
- Toxin exposure
- Menopause
- Obesity
- Occupations that involve repeated wrist flexion
Risks of Conventional Medicine Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The conventional medicine approach to managing carpal tunnel syndrome revolves heavily around the use of pain medications. These pain medications offer pain relief, but this relief is temporary, and the pain may return at a later time because the root cause of the pain is still present. Also, there are multiple safety risks associated with the use of pain medications.
Think about it – how many times have you popped a pill of ibuprofen or aspirin when you have mild body pain? Probably too many to count, which is proof of the medication-first mentality that has seeped deep into society. Please do not take this as an attack on you; we’re just commenting on how popular medications have really become.
Medications certainly have their use in the medical world, but they bring certain problems, too, chief of which is the potential adverse effects associated with their use, especially for a long time. The problem of potential adverse effects carries over to the management of carpal tunnel syndrome, as well. Many turn to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, diclofenac, and aspirin, to manage their symptoms since one of the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome is inflammation.
However, NSAIDs have no benefit in managing carpal tunnel syndrome and its symptoms. Oral steroid medications are more favorable for managing this condition, acknowledging their benefits in reducing pain in the short term. Even then, these pain reduction benefits were not maintained in the long term, which is the medical term for “they may work right now, but eventually stop working.”
All medications have side effects, regardless of their effectiveness. Steroids can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, sleep disorders, mood changes, increased risk of infections, weight gain, skin problems, muscle weakness, and even life-threatening heart conditions. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also cause gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, and heart problems.
Non-medication options like wrist splints seem to be the default option to avoid these side effects. However, even non-medication options are far from perfect. Currently, the consensus appears to be that there is insufficient evidence to conclude whether splinting benefits people with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Considering the health risks of oral pain medications and the apparent lack of evidence of the efficacy of wrist splints, it is safe to say that people with carpal tunnel syndrome need to consider more treatment options. Here is one that shows a lot of promise.
Chiropractic Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The chiropractic treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome follows the general principle of functional medicine, which is finding the root cause of the condition and directly addressing this root cause. Chiropractors simply use different techniques and nutritional therapy to address these root causes.
Chiropractic is a branch of functional medicine that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal system disorders. Neuromusculoskeletal disorders comprise the neurological, muscular, and skeletal systems of the body. Chiropractic can help in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome since it has a skeletal and neurological component.
However, it is one thing for a treatment option to theoretically be able to treat a condition; it is another for it to actually be beneficial in treating that condition. We will consider some of the benefits of chiropractic for carpal tunnel syndrome treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Chiropractic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment?
The benefits of chiropractic care for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome include effective relief of pain and other symptoms, safety, and improved performance of the wrist. Chiropractic care also aims at providing long-term relief, as it targets the condition from its root cause.
Here are some of the benefits of chiropractic treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Relieves Symptoms
Chiropractic treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms involves an improvement in pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness symptoms. According to a study by Dr. Roehl Perez de Leon from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, Whittier, CA, USA, chiropractic significantly improves perceived comfort, finger sensation, and nerve conduction in people with the condition.
Chiropractic aims to provide holistic treatment of different conditions due to its strong functional medicine roots. Holistic treatment is encompassing, addressing the condition from its root and trying to begin healing at that point, which also contributes to long-term healing.
Safe
The risk of adverse effects is much smaller with chiropractic than with conventional medicine, and this is consistent with chiropractic treatment in general. One of the biggest selling points of chiropractic to patients is its safety in managing different health conditions, especially chronic ones when compared to medications. This holds true for carpal tunnel syndrome, too.
There are health risks of oral medications like steroids and NSAIDs, like gastrointestinal disturbances, liver problems, and kidney issues. Other more invasive procedures, like glucocorticoid injection and surgery, which are deemed even more effective, can also potentially have serious adverse effects that can worsen the condition and even cause permanent damage to the wrist.
Chiropractic care involves techniques and adjustments that are non-invasive. In other words, this treatment does not physically enter the body, instead trying to correct the wrist from the outside in.
Improves Performance
Chiropractic treatment also has the benefit of improving the performance of the wrist, like increasing grip strength and normalizing the motor and sensory components of the wrist. Therefore, there is every possibility that you can walk out of a chiropractic healthcare facility with relief from your symptoms and an even stronger wrist function than before you entered.
How Does Chiropractic Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Chiropractic treats carpal tunnel syndrome by first diagnosing it, finding the root cause of the condition, and then using the right chiropractic techniques and adjustments to promote healing. The quality of chiropractic care for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the experience of the chiropractor in chiropractic neurology and the management of nerve-related conditions.
Chiropractic neurology examines how the nerves in the body interact with the rest of the body. You can get this quality of care from the Bay Clinic of Chiropractic if you live in Panama City or its environs. Dr Tony Salameh is the lead chiropractor of the clinic and he has decades of experience managing several neuromusculoskeletal conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome. You can reach us at (850) 785-9372 or through our email info@thebaydoctor.com.
A holistic treatment plan is devised for you at the chiropractor’s clinic, and it usually involves the following steps.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis usually starts with the chiropractor asking you to describe your symptoms. A physical examination of the wrist may then follow where the chiropractor tries to manually observe the wrist and assess the nature, severity, and extent of the condition.
You may be asked to do some activities that will seek to examine the function of the wrist. These activities may include flexing and moving the wrist. Also, healthcare providers may apply pressure or tap the wrist, and positive results for these tests are indicated as pain and tingling.
Finding the Root Cause
The root cause of a health condition is basically the exact reason why the condition is happening at all. Finding the root cause of a health condition is a staple in chiropractic care. The root cause of carpal tunnel syndrome may not be as clear, so the chiropractor’s experience and expertise come to the fore.
Chiropractors consider the patient’s information and medical history and relate it to the presentation of the condition. Identifying the root cause of the condition ensures that holistic healing is possible, as the condition can be treated from its source and not just techniques to mask its symptoms.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic treatment itself is in the form of adjustments and manipulations of the wrist. Chiropractic manipulations of the soft tissue in the wrist and the bony joints of the hands can improve the symptoms and function of the wrist.
These chiropractic manipulations typically involve low force and high velocity to the affected area. The frequency of chiropractic manipulations depends on the particular case and the judgment of the chiropractor. Some people may need up to 4 a week to ensure full healing.
Chiropractors may also consider the patient’s diet and suggest modifications that may help to reduce inflammation, which may then translate to reduced symptoms. Additionally, chiropractors may give the right advice to patients to help them better avoid the pain and triggers of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially considering the impact of medical conditions like diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
You will typically not need surgery if symptoms are not severe, detected early, and conservative treatment options (including chiropractic) are quickly initiated. However, if all other treatment options do not sufficiently relieve symptoms or if the damage to the wrist is already significant, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery.
Can Chiropractic Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
There is currently no treatment option, including chiropractic, that can definitively prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is even more difficult to prevent when the condition is caused by a daily activity you cannot avoid.
Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Go Away Without Treatment?
It is unlikely for carpal tunnel syndrome to go away without treatment, although it is possible in theory. When the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome start, chances are high that they will progressively get worse over time rather than better unless you seek treatment.
Who Is At Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
People with occupations requiring repetitive wrist movements, individuals with conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, pregnant women, and people with obesity are at higher risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome. You can consult a functional health practitioner to find out your risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome.
Conclusion
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects the wrist, causing pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling, due to compression of the median nerve. CTS is not just a simple discomfort; it’s a serious condition that can impact your quality of life and even your ability to work.
Traditional treatments like steroid medications and wrist splints have their place in treatment, but they often come with significant drawbacks, including potential side effects and limited long-term efficacy. Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach that not only addresses the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome but also aims to improve overall wrist function.
The Bay Clinic of Chiropractic headed by Dr Tony Salameh can help in the long-term management of your symptoms through personalized care. Reach out to us at (850) 785-9372 or through our email info@thebaydoctor.com. Remember, though, that each individual is different and you should not make drastic health decisions without consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you have other health conditions or are already established on medications.
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