Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to the compression of the median nerve, which runs through the palm of the hand and controls sensation and muscle movement in the thumb and fingers. The compression occurs in a small area called the carpal tunnel.
This condition affects 3-6% of the general population, with 0.1-0.3% developing new cases each year, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
On this page, we will discuss the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome, its symptoms, and how chiropractic care can manage this condition.
What are the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome?
It occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed by the surrounding tissues. This is often due to inflammation and swelling in the area of the carpal tunnel. The exact causes of the condition are not well understood, but researchers were able to pinpoint several risk factors, including:
- Race (Caucasians and Hispanics are at a higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome)
- High blood pressure
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Fractures located in the wrist
- Diabetes mellitus
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Fluid retention caused by pregnancy
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can be exacerbated by repetitive motions that cause inflammation and swelling in the wrist, such as:
- Bad posture when using the keyboard
- Chronic exposure to vibrations
- Prolonged use of the keyboard or piano
These activities lead to the overuse of the wrist and can make the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome worse.
What are the signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome follow the path of the median nerve, manifesting as:
- Frequently dropping objects due to weakness in grip strength
- A sensation that your hand is falling asleep
- Tingling, numbness, and pain in the thumb and first three fingers
- A burning sensation that travels up the arm
- Weakness in the muscles of the hand, especially the thumb
As the condition progresses, these symptoms may become more severe and frequent. Moreover, you may lose your ability to perform daily tasks, such as buttoning shirts or holding a pen. It is important to note that these symptoms can be caused by other conditions.
What are the complications of carpal tunnel syndrome?
The complications of this syndrome are diverse and include:
Pain – The compression of the median nerve can cause pain in the wrist, hand, and fingers.
Loss of function – The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can affect the ability to perform daily activities, such as writing, typing, or holding objects.
Loss of muscle mass – Long-term compression of the median nerve can lead to muscle atrophy. In other words, the loss of function will result in the loss of muscle mass.
Loss of sensation – Chronic carpal tunnel syndrome may lead to permanent loss of sensation in the hand and fingers. Consequently, you will be at risk of skin injuries and burns.
Deformities – The fingers can bend into a claw-like shape, which will make it difficult to perform daily tasks.
Arthritis – Carpal tunnel syndrome increases the risk of hand arthritis.
Depression and anxiety – The chronic pain and loss of function caused by carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to depression and anxiety. This will undoubtedly have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life.Top of Form
How can chiropractic care aid with carpal tunnel syndrome
Chiropractic care can dampen inflammation and improve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome by addressing the underlying structural imbalances in the wrist. This may involve adjustments to the wrist and hand joints, as well as soft tissue therapies, such as massage and stretching.
Additionally, a chiropractor may recommend exercises and lifestyle modifications to improve overall hand and wrist health and prevent further damage.
There have been several studies and clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of chiropractic care in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). One study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics included 60 patients with CTS who were treated with chiropractic care for an average of 7.6 weeks. The study found that 93% of patients reported improvement in their symptoms, and 70% reported complete resolution of their symptoms.
Another study recruited 64 patients with CTS who received chiropractic care for an average of 6.5 weeks. The results showed that 82% of patients had clinical improvement, whereas 62% reported a complete resolution.
A more recent study had 3 randomized groups with a total of 90 participants:
- The first group received chiropractic care
- Second group had ultrasound therapy sessions
- The last group was given a placebo
The authors concluded that the first two groups experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms and functional capacity compared to the placebo group.
These studies suggest that chiropractic care may be an effective treatment option for patients with CTS.
How chiropractic care may help with the specific symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
A 2010 study evaluated the effectiveness of chiropractic care in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome. The study included 34 patients who received a combination of spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and exercises. The results showed that the patients experienced a significant improvement in symptoms, including decreased numbness and tingling, increased grip strength, and improved overall function.
A systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of spinal manipulation and mobilization in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome. The studies included in the review showed that the combination of spinal manipulation and mobilization improved symptoms, such as pain, grip strength, and overall function, in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Takeaway message
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very common condition that could easily disrupt the patient’s quality of life when left untreated. Chiropractic care can significantly improve the symptoms of this condition, especially in the early stages.
We hope that this article managed to explain the role of chiropractic care in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome.
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