Carpal tunnel syndrome is a health condition in which a person may experience tingling, numbness, pain, weakness, or other discomfort in the fingers, wrists, hands, and forearms. These symptoms can be very uncomfortable, however, conservative therapy is available that can improve the problem and restore hands and wrists to normal. This article reviews the causes and effective treatments that will prevent this condition from affecting a person's lifestyle.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow groove on the palm side of the wrist made up of eight small bones called the carpal bones. This opening is a conduit that contains the tendons that bend most fingers in and an important nerve to the hand, called the median nerve. When this nerve is pinched, pain and numbness result, and may eventually cause the hands to weaken. Tingling and numbness are frequently experienced in the thumb and next two fingers and may appear upon awakening or holding an item such as a telephone, newspaper, or pen or pencil. Progression of the condition could lead to constant feeling of numbness.
Pain may extend or radiate from the wrist, up the arm, to the shoulder or from the wrist down into the palm or fingers. This commonly occurs after repetitive or forceful use. If hands begin feeling weak, the individual may drop items frequently. Anything that compresses, crowds, or irritates the median nerve within the carpal tunnel area can result in this condition. This includes rheumatoid arthritis or a wrist fracture.
A combination of factors may initiate and cause the condition to develop. Among these are regular use of vibrating tools or repetitive or prolonged flexing of the wrist as happens with assembly line work. The frequent use of a computer is commonly noted as a factor. Regular computer use may cause other types of pains in the hand that can be diagnosed by a health care practitioner.
There is often a relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome and the neck. Spinal nerves from the neck area exit the spine and then travel into the wrist and hand. At times a pinched nerve in the neck can mimic those of carpal tunnel syndrome. Anytime patients have a complaint of this type a doctor of chiropractic, examines both the neck and wrists and to diagnose the exact cause and performs safe, effective treatments to the appropriate areas. These treatments are nonsurgical and involve no medications.
Taking frequent breaks and applying ice to hands may relieve the mildest symptoms. If numbness or tingling occurs at night, a doctor may recommend using a splint that holds the wrist still while the patient sleeps. Yoga postures that stretch, balance, and strengthen joints within the upper body and this entire portion of the frame may reduce weakness and pain.
There are no proven ways to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome but resting hands and wrists frequently, limiting wrist movement, and reducing force when performing tasks involving the hands may help. If the condition does not improve, a trip to the doctor of chiropractic is recommended. Many primary care physicians make referrals to a chiropractic specialist for comprehensive testing, diagnosis, and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow groove on the palm side of the wrist made up of eight small bones called the carpal bones. This opening is a conduit that contains the tendons that bend most fingers in and an important nerve to the hand, called the median nerve. When this nerve is pinched, pain and numbness result, and may eventually cause the hands to weaken. Tingling and numbness are frequently experienced in the thumb and next two fingers and may appear upon awakening or holding an item such as a telephone, newspaper, or pen or pencil. Progression of the condition could lead to constant feeling of numbness.
Pain may extend or radiate from the wrist, up the arm, to the shoulder or from the wrist down into the palm or fingers. This commonly occurs after repetitive or forceful use. If hands begin feeling weak, the individual may drop items frequently. Anything that compresses, crowds, or irritates the median nerve within the carpal tunnel area can result in this condition. This includes rheumatoid arthritis or a wrist fracture.
A combination of factors may initiate and cause the condition to develop. Among these are regular use of vibrating tools or repetitive or prolonged flexing of the wrist as happens with assembly line work. The frequent use of a computer is commonly noted as a factor. Regular computer use may cause other types of pains in the hand that can be diagnosed by a health care practitioner.
There is often a relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome and the neck. Spinal nerves from the neck area exit the spine and then travel into the wrist and hand. At times a pinched nerve in the neck can mimic those of carpal tunnel syndrome. Anytime patients have a complaint of this type a doctor of chiropractic, examines both the neck and wrists and to diagnose the exact cause and performs safe, effective treatments to the appropriate areas. These treatments are nonsurgical and involve no medications.
Taking frequent breaks and applying ice to hands may relieve the mildest symptoms. If numbness or tingling occurs at night, a doctor may recommend using a splint that holds the wrist still while the patient sleeps. Yoga postures that stretch, balance, and strengthen joints within the upper body and this entire portion of the frame may reduce weakness and pain.
There are no proven ways to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome but resting hands and wrists frequently, limiting wrist movement, and reducing force when performing tasks involving the hands may help. If the condition does not improve, a trip to the doctor of chiropractic is recommended. Many primary care physicians make referrals to a chiropractic specialist for comprehensive testing, diagnosis, and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.
About the Author:
Philip Bud Bollen is an author writing about how to be healthy. Would you like more information regarding chiropractor Pittsburgh North? More information regarding carpal tunnel syndrome pain can be found at this website http://youtu.be/fJgnxUjpMII.
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