Written by: Eric Chludzinski, DC
If you’re experiencing tingling and numbness in your hands, fingers and wrists — pain so intense that it wakes you up at night — and similar symptoms in the upper arm, elbow, shoulder or neck, you most likely have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
Today, millions of people suffer from CTS. The disease is so common that it is often called an occupational disease. It is most common among people performing jobs that require repetitive tasks such as typing, chopping, working on assembly lines, etc. However, CTS may also be caused by a fracture or fall on the hand, rheumatoid orosteoartritis, Paget’s bone disease, multiple myeloma, acromegaly and gout. It is also common in pregnant women, women taking birth control pills, and people with under-active thyroids.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most common reported medical problem in the workplace. There are several approaches to treat CTS:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can cause pain, numbness, tingling and/or weakness in the lower half of the forearm, wrist, hand and fingers.
- Do nothing and hope that it will go away
- Use anti-inflammatory medication and hand splints
- Surgery
- Non-invasive treatment consisting of Chiropractic, Physical Therapy & Laser Treatment
The single most safe, healthy and effective approach to treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is treatment consisting of chiropractic, physical therapy and laser treatment. Doing nothing and hoping it will go away can only increase the chances for further injury or damage. Anti-inflammatory medications only mask the problem. Hand splints will stabilize the wrist, but will also weaken the muscles, causing a dependence on the brace. While surgery may be effective, it may also cause irreversible damage. Therefore, the most effective treatments are non-invasive therapies. Such treatments are available at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation. Make these treatments your first choice in overcoming CTS before possibly causing further damage with the other methods.
CTS in my experience is often caused by subluxated (or bone out of place) vertebra irritating a nerve root in your neck. If this is the case, what you think are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome signs and symptoms may not be from your wrist at all. A Doctor of Chiropractic is an expert in diagnosing these cases and could be essential in your diagnosis and treatment. The proper diagnosis may aid in preventing unnecessary surgeries.
A doctor of chiropractic can assure that your spinal column is free from nerve pressure between the arms and wrists and the nerves in the neck. Nerve compression in the neck can block the flow of nutrients to the nerves in the wrist, contributing to CTS and making it more susceptible to injury. A chiropractor can also adjust the bones in your wrist to help relieve the pressure on the median nerve and aid in recovery. Your chiropractor can also show you ways to avoid repetitive motion and improve posture so the condition may be prevented in the future.
The physical therapy team at Monmouth Pain has the necessary skill set and tools available to treat the hand and wrist if you are experiencing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Class IV laser therapy has been shown to decrease inflammation in the wrist and allow the tendons and nerves to pass through without any irritation. It does this by vastly increasing the blood flow to this area and promote energy within the cells of the carpal tunnel increasing healing capabilities. Laser treatments combined with manual stretching, exercise and mobilization has helped a great deal of our patients suffering with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Remember if you are experiencing CTS-like symptoms don’t suffer hoping the pain will go away. Opt for the safest and most effective treatments over other options that may only increase your injury or mask the probem.
When considering a remedy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Monmouth Pain & Rehabilitation should be your first stop. Our physicians come highly recommended by numerous physicians in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Feel free to contact us for a FREE in office consultation. If you are looking for faster service, give us a call at 732-345-1377. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $145 value).
