Signs and Symptoms

Some easy-to-recognize signs and symptoms of CTS include the following.

• Nighttime painful tingling in one or both hands, frequently causing sleep disturbance
• Feeling of uselessness in the fingers
• A sense that fingers are swollen even though little or no swelling is apparent
• Daytime tingling in the hands, followed by a decreased ability to squeeze things
• Loss of strength in the muscle at the base of the thumb, near the palm
• Pain shooting from the hand up the arm as far as the shoulder

What Causes It?

The carpal tunnel is filled with tendons that control finger movement. Tasks requiring highly repetitive and forceful movements of the wrist can cause swelling around the tendons, resulting in a pinched nerve and producing CTS.

Who’s Most At Risk?

People working with small hand tools in manufacturing and those using a computer keyboard on a regular basis are especially at risk.

Women are more likely than men to develop CTS. It most commonly occurs in people between the ages of 40 and 60. CTS is associated with health conditions such as Lyme disease, rubella, pregnancy, and menopause. High caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol intake are contributing risk factors.

You can help prevent CTS or alleviate symptoms by making some simple changes in your work and leisure habits.

• Stretch or flex your arms and fingers before beginning work and at frequent intervals.
• Alternate tasks to reduce the amount of repetitive movements.
• Modify or change daily activities that put pressure on your wrists.
• Modify your work environment. If you use a computer, have an adjustable keyboard table and chair, and a wrist rest.

CTS is commonly treated by chiropractors. The methods most chiropractors use to treat CTS include manipulation of the wrist, elbow, and upper spine, ultrasound therapy, and wrist supports. Two studies support the use of chiropractic treatment for CTS.

In the first study, 25 individuals diagnosed with CTS reported significant improvements in several measures of strength, range of motion, and pain after receiving chiropractic treatment. Most of these improvements were maintained for at least 6 months.

A second study compared the effects of chiropractic care with conservative medical care (wrist supports and ibuprofen) among 91 people with CTS. Both groups experienced significant improvement in nerve function, finger sensation, and comfort. The researchers concluded that chiropractic treatment and conservative medical care are equally effective for people with CTS.

Massage

Massage may help prevent or relieve symptoms, especially when rosemary and/or St. John’s wort oil are used.

Prognosis/Possible Complications

Most people’s symptoms clear up within a few months with conventional treatment. If left untreated, CTS in advanced stages can become quite serious, involving a loss of sensation, muscle deterioration, and permanent loss of function.

Following Up

If your wrist is placed in a splint, you’ll need ongoing evaluation by your healthcare provider until treatment is completed. If you undergo surgery for CTS, a single follow-up visit is normally all that is required.

Nutrition

Use of vitamin B₆supplements (50 to 200 mg a day) for up to 3 months provides patients with pain relief and increased function in 85 percent of cases. B-complex may be used as an adjunct to B₆. The following nutrients may have an anti-inflammatory effect: essential fatty acids (1,500 to 3,000 mg a day), and curcumin (250 to 500 mg) and bromelain (250 to 500 mg), both taken between meals. Lipoic acid (100 mg twice a day) can help reduce swelling. Modifying your diet to reduce or eliminate saturated fats and fried foods will also decrease inflammation.

‘Chiropractic physicians practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment’ according to The American Chiropractic Association.

I have been providing experienced chiropractic care for my patients in Seymour since 2004. I specialize in spinal adjusting and also offer thompson drop and flexion-distraction.

Mountain View Chiropractic is located at 216 Phoenix Ct Ste A in Seymour. Most of my patients live in Seymour, Sevierville, Kodak or South Knoxville. However, I have patients from cities all over Tennessee.

My office can be reached at 865-579-4066 and our website is http://www.mountain-view-chiropractic.com/.

If you are suffering from an injury, illness or undiagnosed problem, I invite you to schedule an evaluation by calling 865-579-4066.

Chiropractic treatment can positively affect a wide range of physical problems and is an essential component of preventative health care. I look forward to showing you how chiropractic care can make your life better.

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