For a while in the 1990s it seemed like every office worker was getting carpal tunnel syndrome. It was all over the news. Indeed, as computers took over the working world, more and more people spent time hunched over desks, staring at screens, using a mouse and keyboard to do their jobs daily. The repetitive use of their hands in a certain somewhat awkward position caused many to get carpal tunnel syndrome.
Even today, carpal tunnel syndrome is still a problem. It involves a person’s “median nerve” getting pressed or squeezed at the wrist causing the person pain. For some it’s a tingling sensation, while others have numbness. It can involve sharp, shooting pain running through your wrist and up your arm. It can hurt!
Specifically, carpal tunnel syndrome can be described as the body’s peripheral nerves being compressed and/or traumatized. Medical professionals test for carpal tunnel by examining a person’s hands, wrists, arms, shoulders and neck. They look for discoloration and swelling and feel for warmth or tenderness in certain spots. Fingers get tested for sensation while muscles at the base of the hand are examined, too.
Treating carpal tunnel often means resting the affected hand (or hands and wrists) for a couple weeks. It’s not unusual for the wrist to be put in a splint to keep it from further twisting or bending. Cool packs can be applied to reduce swelling.
While some doctors will put people on high doses of certain medications that can cause more problems, those with carpal tunnel syndrome seeking a natural remedy should consider chiropractic care.
Through the manipulation of the bony joints and soft tissues of a person’s spine and such for several weeks time, a chiropractor’s educated touch can help relieve nerve pain in the body. By using hand manipulation to improve joint mobility and loosen muscles, the chiropractor focuses on dealing with the median nerve which runs through the carpal tunnel and involves a person’s fingers, too. A chiropractor can also instruct a patient on certain stretches to do in order to strengthen weak, pained areas.
For chiropractic care as it relates to carpal tunnel syndrome, call Lakewoods Chiropractic at 651-464-0800 today.
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