Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

The major nerve controlling the thumb, index, and parts of the middle, and ring finger is called the median nerve. From the tip of your fingers, it travels through the bones in your wrist, past your elbow, up your arm, through your shoulder and neck, and finally to your spinal cord. Problems can develop in one or more of these areas.

The carpal “tunnel” is formed by bones in the wrist. The median nerve, tendons, and blood vessels pass through this opening. If one or more of the bones forming this tunnel should collapse, inflammation, nerve pressure, and painful symptoms in the wrist area can result. The median nerve connects to the spinal cord through openings between several bones in the lower neck. When these spinal bones lose their normal motion or position, they can cause problems in the fingers and wrist.

After a thorough examination, your chiropractic doctor will perform specific adjustments where needed to help normalize structure and reduce nerve irritation. When given time, conservative, chiropractic care has produced excellent results with carpal tunnel problems-without drugs or surgery.

A thorough examination can detect problems which may be the cause or contributing factor of your wrist pain.

Have someone try to pull your thumb and finger apart. If your fingers seem weak, yours could be related to a carpal tunnel problem.

If placing your hands back to back produces an increase in numbness, tingling or pain, you could have a carpal tunnel problem.

Every day, assembly workers, keyboard operators, grocery store clerks, and many others receive micro-traumas to their hands and wrists. Vibration and repetitive motions, when combined with spinal problems and other joint dysfunction, can result in a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

· REFERENCES ·

Bonebrake, A., D.C., Fernandez, J., D.C., A Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Results of a Follow-up Study, Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics, 16:125-139, 1993.

Cailliet, R., M.D., Hand Pain and Impairment, 3rd edition, F. A. Davis Company, 1983.

Cailliet, R., M.D., Pain; Mechanisms and Management, F. A. Davis Company, 1993.

Kendall, F., McCreary, E., Muscle Testing and Function, 3rd edition, Williams and Wilkins, 1983.

Kirk, R., D.C., Lawrence, D., D.C., Valvo, N., D.C., States’ Manual of Spinal, Pelvic and Extravertebral Technics, 3rd edition, National College of Chiropractic, 1991.

Norkin, C., P.T., Levrangie, P., P.T., Joint Structure and Function: A Comprehensive Analysis, 2nd edition, F. A. Davis Company, 1992.

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