It's Dr. Tim Harcourt Here at Coast Chiropractic Centers Sharing With You What You Can Do To Reduce Chances Of Developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – What Are the "Warning Signs?"
Aug 15, 2021 -- Posted by :Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is caused by the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist, which can result in pain, numbness, tingling, and in some cases, a weak grip.
At first, these symptoms are mild and infrequent, but over time can become more intense, frequent, and last longer. Most people don’t react to these initial warning signs, which is too bad because CTS is MUCH easier to treat in its early stages.
Risks for developing CTS include 1) female (primarily due to hormonal shifts and smaller carpal tunnel size); 2) jobs requiring forceful gripping (carpenters, tradesmen) and/or fast repetitive work (line assembly, poultry/meatpacking jobs, typists/transcriptionists); 3) illnesses (diabetes, hypothyroid, inflammatory arthritis); 4) pregnancy; 5) sports injuries (trauma); and more.
Non-surgical care from most doctors includes the use of a nighttime wrist splint to stop the wrist from bending during sleep and anti-inflammatory measures like ice. Methods unique to chiropractic include the above PLUS neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand manipulation, mobilization, and muscle release techniques. Exercise training and education are very important as well—all of which help chiropractic stand out when it comes to non-surgical care options.
Serious warning signs that indicate a more advanced case include 1) A long-standing history of problems (often years). 2) Severe symptoms. 3) Muscle atrophy caused by prolonged nerve deficit from the pinched median nerve. (Look at the pad on the palm-side at the base of the thumb—if it’s smaller in size and “flaccid” or has less muscle tone compared to the other side, that’s a possible sign of muscle atrophy.)
So if you are having early warning signs of CTS, PLEASE consult with a doctor of chiropractic as soon as possible! It’s MUCH easier to achieve a successful outcome if you start treatment BEFORE muscle atrophy and severe, long-standing symptoms occur!
So, if you are experiencing wrist pain, numbness, hand weakness, and carpal tunnel symptoms and you type in pain management near me, you may find Coast Chiropractic Centers with Dr. Timothy Harcourt, me, comes up.
You may wonder, “Do I need an MRI scan of my neck or wrist.”?
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
You may have a “funny feeling like a numbness frequently called paresthesia. Even a handshake may be painful or weak. Some people have prescribed chemicals that may temporarily reduce the numbness but not fixing the problem. The numbing in the fingers can be annoying and even debilitating.
Also, if you feel arm pain it may indicate things are getting worse and may indicate a bulge on the disc or worse yet a herniated disc in your neck. Persistent or worsening pain intensity and/or frequency necessitates a visit to see a professional.
Call me, Dr. Tim Harcourt, at (239) 278-3344 and mention this article for an awesome discounted first visit to include history, exam, and adjustment or Class IV high-intensity laser treatment.