Unlocking Relief: How Manual Therapies Tackle Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Nov 3, 2023 -- Posted by :
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition characterized by the gradual onset of pain, tingling, or numbness (paresthesia) affecting the thumb, index finger, and the middle and thumb-side of the ring finger. With time, these symptoms can escalate in both frequency and intensity to a level where the individual struggles to comfortably engage in their routine work or leisure activities. In the early stages, a person might alleviate the condition by shaking their hand or flicking their fingers, but as the symptoms progress, they may experiment with home remedies and over-the-counter solutions in search of temporary relief, at best. It's during this phase that they may turn to a doctor of chiropractic for treatment.
But why would a chiropractor be useful for managing CTS? It starts by understanding the anatomy of the carpal tunnel itself. This structure is made up of eight small bones that form the arch of the tunnel with the transverse carpal ligament serving as the floor. Several tendons as well as the median nerve pass through this tunnel. The median nerve emerges from the neck and travels through the shoulder, elbow, and forearm before entering the carpal tunnel. It then supplies motor instructions to part of the hand and relays sensory information back to the brain. Anything within the carpal tunnel that reduces the available space—tendon inflammation, water retention, or compression of the shape of the tunnel—will apply force on the median nerve that can affect its normal movement and function. When this occurs, symptoms will begin to manifest.
The treatment objective is to alleviate pressure on the median nerve and enhance its mobility while passing through the carpal tunnel. Doctors of chiropractic primarily achieve this through the application of manual techniques, including manual and instrumental soft tissue mobilizations, massage therapy, bone and joint mobilizations or adjustments, and neurodynamic methods. These approaches aim to reinstate natural movement in the affected joints and related soft tissues. A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted in 2022 (widely regarded as a highly credible form of research) concluded that manual therapies deliver statistically significant improvements in symptom severity, physical functionality, and sensory and motor nerve conduction in cases of mild to moderate CTS.
To achieve a satisfactory outcome for the patient, chiropractic care may also include addressing musculoskeletal issues along the course of the median nerve as dysfunction in the neck, shoulder/arm, and forearm/elbow often co-occur with CTS and can produce CTS-like symptoms. If non-musculoskeletal conditions are present, the case may need to be co-managed with the patient’s medical physician or a specialist.
So, if you are experiencing pain in my wrist (yours), numbness or paresthesia, hand weakness, and carpal tunnel symptoms and you type in pain management near me or chiropractor 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 and who can help near you?
You may have a “funny feeling like a numbness frequently called paresthesia. Even a handshake may be painful or weak. Some people around your area 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.
You may want to see a study on chiropractic effectiveness for carpal tunnel such as this one:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8046280/
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 in your area.
If you would like to avoid getting carpal tunnel in the first place or to take a proactive approach to your health and wellness nearby, our membership program called Club C may be just the thing for you with great cost savings, convenience, and even more importantly, a plan to get your health back and keep it.
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Call me, Dr. Tim Harcourt, at Coast Chiropractic Centers at (239) 278-3344 or stop by on your day off for a walk in visit and mention this article for an awesome discounted first visit to include history, exam, and adjustment or Class IV high-intensity laser treatment.