Do You Have Carpal Tunnel?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful condition that happens when the median nerve in your wrist is compressed by swelling, often due to an underlying medical condition. It is one of the most common conditions affecting the nerves. Traditionally there were few options to deal with this problem and those available, such as surgery and medication, are invasive and expensive. Fortunately, chiropractors are now having success treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with a more conservative and gentle approach. If you are wondering whether your wrist pain is caused by Carpal Tunnel, and wanting more details on the alternative treatment available from Glenwood chiropractors, then read on.

Carpal Tunnel in Glenwood

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is usually accompanied by sensations of burning, pain, tingling, or swelling in the palm of the hands and extending into the first four fingers and the thumb. Occasionally people also report a feeling of swelling in the hand even when no swelling is present. Patients commonly experience weakness in the affected hand and have difficulty with picking up small objects. This condition can have a major impact on a person's lifestyle and in some sever cases, if left untreated; the damage to the median nerve can cause permanent loss of movement in the hand.

What is the Cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The pain experienced with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a result of the swelling and misalignment of tissues and bone which then press on the nerve, but often there is an underlying problem. Some patients have had an obvious injury, a stress or break to the wrist that causes the symptoms to develop.

The most common cause is related to occupations that involve the long term use of vibrating instruments and the repetitious use of the hands and wrist. At other times this issue seems to develop out of nowhere. Metabolic disorders involving the pituitary and thyroid gland can be a contributing to the unexplained development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, as can pregnancy and obesity. More commonly, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that develops in one or both wrists without a clear cause is the result of a nerve irritation stemming from the spine.

How is Carpal Tunnel Treated?

Traditionally, Carpal Tunnel treatment has been limited to decompression surgeries, physiotherapy and prescription medicines. Due to the fact that these options often fail to deal with the underlying problem, they may only provide short-term relief and at times they prove completely ineffective. When left untreated, or when unsuccessfully treated, people are forced to adapt their lifestyles to accommodate this debilitating issue. This may include quitting one's job and needing help with basic everyday living.

Fortunately, many people in Glenwood are finding long term relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome through chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic medicine is a non-invasive and alternative that seeks out and deals with the underlying cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. A chiropractor will perform an evaluation of your condition and formulate an individualized treatment plan that will work to correct nerve interference in the spine and restore you to an optimal state of health. If you are noticing any signs of carpal tunnel syndrome do not hesitate to call our team at Kenkel Family Chiropractic today for a consultation.