Is Your Wrist Hurting? It Could Be from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
While many people do not know a lot about the condition, carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected to be one of the most prevalent nerve disorders in the United States. Some experts believe the condition affects as many as 10 million adults. At Lake Marion Chiropractic Center, we treat patients who have carpal tunnel syndrome with chiropractic methods. Here are a few things you may want to know about carpal tunnel syndrome.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
In each wrist, there is a nerve that is responsible for motor function and feeling in the hands. This nerve is called the median nerve, and it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. When it is overworked or squeezed, nerve signals are blocked off from traveling from the median nerve. This issue is what’s called carpal tunnel syndrome.
The exact cause of the carpal tunnel syndrome is yet to be known, but several factors are believed to compress the median nerve, such as tendonitis, arthritis, repetitive hand motion, and diabetes.
The most common symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome is hand or wrist pain. Other symptoms include periodic numbness or tingling in the fingers, weakness or loss of feeling in the hands, or wrist discomfort.
Practicing good work ergonomics helps minimize the risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome. You can:
- Take frequent breaks from using your hands
- Periodically stretch the hands and wrists
- Make sure you don't strain your wrists or bend them all the way down or up
How Can a Chiropractor Help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
There are various ways a chiropractor can treat carpal tunnel syndrome, and here are the top three methods that can help:
- Hand manipulation: Relieves pressure off of the median nerve
- Massage therapy: Relaxes the muscles in the hands and reduces inflammation
- Exercise therapy: Improves function and range in the hands and alleviates wrist pain.
Talk to a Chiropractor about Relieving Your Wrist Pain Caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
When you are dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome, a chiropractor may be the last medical professional you think about to talk to for help. However, a chiropractor has great knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and can assist you in understanding your writ pain, what is causing it, and how proper work ergonomics can help. Reach out to Lake Marion Chiropractic Center in Lakeville or St. Paul, MN, at (952) 469-8385 to schedule an appointment.