Ask anyone who has suffered from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and they will tell you it is a very real, and very painful problem. CTS is one of the most common workplace injuries. Often associated with prolonged computer use, CTS can also affect construction workers, assembly-line workers, and even athletes — any profession that sees a person do a lot of gripping or holding the wrist in an unnatural position. Every year more than 500,000 people in the US undergo surgeries for CTS. While some people do find relief, it is not without risk. Complications after surgery may include nerve damage with tingling and numbness, infection, scarring, pain, stiffness, and even the loss of some wrist strength is a complication that affects 10% to a third of surgery patients.
Carpal Tunnel and Chiropractic Care
CTS presents in the hand because of pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. According to the American Chiropractic Association, symptoms can include burning, tingling, itching, weakness, and/or numbness in the palm of the hand, thumb, and fingers. Some sufferers of CTS describe their fingers as “useless and swollen,” even if no swelling is apparent. Weakened grip strength often makes it hard for CTS patients to form a fist or grasp small objects. Additionally, many CTS patients report that it is hard to distinguish hot from cold by touch. The symptoms of CTS generally first appear while sleeping because many people have a tendency to sleep with flexed wrists.
For many, a diagnosis leads straight to a surgeon for relief, but surgery isn’t necessarily required. Unfortunately, many patients still don’t realize that conservative chiropractic treatment represents another option, and that relief can be had without drugs or surgery. Overall, CTS has to be managed in totality, and treatment should involve the whole arm and the upper back and neck because there can be other complicating factors.
At Carlson Chiropractic Center we have found with chiropractic there are many things that we can do to help CTS sufferers find relief. We focus on prevention, and help our patients learn how to alleviate symptoms by making some simple changes in their work and leisure habits, and employ different treatment approaches including mobilization of the wrist, elbow, and upper spine, soft tissue work, and wrist support. All of which are just as effective in relieving CTS symptoms as standard conservative medical management.
Two recent studies, reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center, prove what difference chiropractic can make with CTS. In the first study, 25 individuals diagnosed with CTS reported significant improvements in several measures of strength, range of motion, and pain after receiving chiropractic treatment. Most of these improvements were maintained for at least 6 months. A second study compared the effects of chiropractic care with conservative medical care (wrist supports and ibuprofen) among 91 people with CTS. Both groups experienced significant improvement in nerve function, finger sensation, and comfort. The researchers concluded that chiropractic treatment and conservative medical care are equally effective for people with CTS.
Our CTS patients are proof that with a few preventative measures in conjunction with a treatment plan, the need for drugs and surgery are gone. Chiropractic care is a proven natural alternative, and at Carlson Chiropractic our doctors are committed to wellness and avoiding the unnecessary use of medications. Chiropractic is safe. Chiropractic is natural. And chiropractic can work for you!