What is it?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common problem we see frequently at Advantage Chiropractic Clinic. This syndrome is characterized by a numbness, tingling or pain in the wrist and/or hand and fingers. It’s caused when tissue surrounding the Median nerve is irritated, swollen or shifted resulting in compression of the nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel (8 bones in the wrist).
Who gets it?
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects a wide range of people who use their hands, from assembly workers and manufacturers to hygienists and hair stylists. Because carpal tunnel can also be caused by regular texting and computer use, even those who have low-activity professions can feel carpal tunnel syndrome pain. Other factors, like a genetic disposition, age and hormonal changes can also lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Of particular note are pregnant women and patients with hypothyroidism or vitamin deficiencies.
What does it feel like?
People with carpal tunnel syndrome report feeling numbness and tingling, most commonly in their thumb, pointer and middle fingers. They may also feel this in their entire palm or even up their forearm. In more severe cases, it may result in weakness or atrophy in muscles in the hand. Grip strength can also suffer due to carpal tunnel syndrome.
What can Advantage Chiropractic Clinic do to help it?
As Dr. Adams always says, the first step to treating your syndrome is to make sure it’s actually that syndrome! Carpal tunnel can be tricky to self-diagnose in that it may manifest in pains in other parts of your arm, shoulder and even your neck.
Advantage Chiropractic Clinic diagnoses carpal tunnel syndrome with a series of tests, including those to replicate the symptoms in order to fully understand and treat them. Additionally, Dr. Adams may conduct a nerve velocity conduction test which sends electrical signals through a patient’s wrist and then measures how quickly and efficiently they travel. In extreme or unresolving cases blood work may even be warranted to look for underlying causes.
What happens if you leave it untreated?
Without treatment, carpal tunnel syndrome will likely get progressively worse. Leaving carpal tunnel syndrome untreated can lead to very serious issues, including a lack of sensation or severe pain. Eventually, surgical intervention could be required.
If you feel like you’ve been experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome pains, make an appointment with Advantage Chiropractic Clinic. Early diagnosis and treatment are key in eliminating this painful syndrome.