Carpal tunnel can be a real pain. It can cause discomfort and weakness in the hands and wrists, making everyday tasks difficult to complete. It’s caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs from your arm to your hand.
Many people think that carpal tunnel is only caused by repetitive tasks like excessive typing or the use of vibrating tools over and over, but there are actually many different causes that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Treatment options vary depending on the cause of your carpal tunnel, but in most cases, chiropractic care can help reduce or even eliminate carpal tunnel symptoms without having to go through invasive surgeries or medications.
Our chiropractors in South Lake Tahoe specialize in helping those suffering from carpal tunnel Syndrome. Before we review how chiropractic care helps, let’s look at exactly what carpal tunnel Syndrome is and where it comes from.
What is the Carpal Tunnel?
The carpal tunnel in your body is a small, narrow passageway in the lower arm that connects the hand to the forearm. The median nerve passes through this tunnel and provides sensation and movement to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that results from compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. When there is pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, it can result in pain, numbness, tingling, loss of range of motion, and more.
There are several factors that may contribute to carpal tunnel development. This pressure can be caused by many things, including repetitive motions, obesity, pregnancy, and many others.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is common and can occur in people of all ages. It’s more common for carpal tunnel syndrome to develop in women than men.
How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination and nerve conduction studies. During the physical examination with our chiropractor in South Lake Tahoe, they will check for signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as tenderness in the wrist or numbness in the fingers. They will also test your grip strength and ask you to perform tests that may reproduce your symptoms.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
Most people with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) experience tingling, numbness, and pain in their hands and fingers. The symptoms typically develop gradually over time and may worsen at night. It is caused by compression of the median nerve, which runs through the wrist.
Treatment for CTS typically involves resting the hand and wrist, splinting, and stretching exercises. It’s recommended to seek Chiropractic care in South Lake Tahoe to help relieve the pressure on the median nerve. In severe cases, some patients look into surgical options to relieve pressure.
But what exactly is carpal tunnel syndrome, and what are the symptoms?
- Numbness, tingling, burning, and pain
Numbness, tingling, burning, and pain can all be signs of nerve damage. The condition is caused by compression of the median nerve, which runs from your shoulder to your hand.
- Weakness and clumsiness in the hand
Weakened muscles in the hand can lead to clumsiness and a lack of strength. This can cause problems with everyday activities, such as gripping a steering wheel or opening a jar.
- Dropping things
One of the most common complaints associated with carpal tunnel is difficulty holding on to objects. Dropping your phone or your coffee cup falling to the ground and shattering is one of the common symptoms of carpal tunnel.
- Tingling that moves up into your arm
The complex system of bones, muscles, and tendons in your fingers can be caused by a number of things like stress, fatigue, or even CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome). From your fingers to your shoulder, it’s a long and complex system of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Causes
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common nerve compression syndromes. It is estimated that 3% to 6% of the U.S. population has CTS, and the incidence increases with age, affecting women more often than men.
Here are some of the most common causes of the carpal tunnel:
- Heredity
Your genes dictate a lot about your personality and behavior, including the likelihood that you’ll develop certain conditions or diseases. Chances are if that’s the case, it’s because you inherited that skill from your parents.
Carpal tunnel is a condition that can be hereditary. If you have a family member who has suffered from carpal tunnel, you are more likely to experience it yourself. There are many factors that can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel, and while it can sometimes strike seemingly out of nowhere, it could be because you inherited it.
- Repetitive hand use
Do you spend a lot of time using your hands? Typing on a keyboard, writing, using the mouse… All of these activities can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that results from the overuse of the hands and wrists.
Repetitive hand use is one of the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome. Taking breaks regularly and using ergonomic tools can also help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Pregnancy
As if the pregnancy wasn’t hard enough with all the physical changes your body goes through, it can also lead to carpal tunnel Syndrome. As your body adapts to your pregnancy, it can result in pressure being put onto that median nerve and developing carpal tunnel Syndrome. Seeing a chiropractor during your pregnancy can help prevent and/or treat carpal tunnel.
- Health conditions
While often benign and self-limited, carpal tunnel Syndrome can occasionally be a sign of some other health problem going on in your body. If you’re experiencing carpal tunnel Syndrome, it’s important to get checked out to make sure there is not any other underlying cause. Left untreated, carpal tunnel Syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage.
How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated in two ways: non-surgically or with surgery.
- Non-Surgical Treatments
Non-surgical treatments for carpal tunnel can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The most recommended treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome is chiropractic care. Some other non-surgical treatments may include acupuncture and massage therapy. These treatments can help to relax muscles and improve blood flow to the area. They may also help to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Surgical Treatments
There are two main types of surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. The first option is the traditional method that requires general anesthesia, in which the surgeon cuts open the wrist to do the surgery.
Whereas the second arthroscopic technique can be performed on patients without any kind of pain relief medication by using small incisions made inside tendons and joints with images provided by video feeds from cameras outside your body.
Surgery is invasive, and not the recommended approach for dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome unless absolutely necessary.
Carpal Tunnel Treatment in South Lake Tahoe
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common injuries people experience in everyday life. It can also occur from other activities such as playing musical instruments, gardening, or typing. The absolute best option for treating carpal tunnel syndrome is seeking chiropractic care. This noninvasive approach has been proven to be extremely effective in helping alleviate and even eliminate carpal tunnel syndrome.
Our chiropractors in South Lake Tahoe use adjustments to help relieve pressure on the nerves and get you back to feeling great again. If you are experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel, book an appointment and come get evaluated today!
