Repetitive Stress and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: How to Get Relief!
Saturday, April 25th, 2009Carpal Tunnel Syndrome falls into the category of neurological conditions called nerve entrapment disorders and is clearly the most well-known of these disorders. As the name suggests, these conditions take place when a nerve is trapped or constricted between other tissues of the body causing irritation and dysfunction of the nerve.
Anatomy
The carpal tunnel rests within the underside of the wrist. It is a tunnel, or passage, through which the Median nerve journeys on its way to energize and animate the hand and fingers. Along with the median nerve, the carpal tunnel includes the nine tendons of the forearm muscles that are responsible for bending and flexing of the fingers and thumb. There are also arteries and lymphatic vessels that provide circulation to the hand located within the tunnel. The bottom and sides of this tunnel are formed by wrist bones and the top of the tunnel is covered by a sinewy band of connective tissue called the transverse carpal ligament. The diameter of the carpal tunnel is about the same as the index finger making the carpal tunnel a jam-packed space. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are designed to glide easily past each other during wrist and finger movement.
If the size of the tendon enlarges due to irritation or overuse, or if the carpal tunnel size shrinks due to a misalignment of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become compressed or entrapped by the carpal tunnel. The initiatory symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome commonly include pain, numbness, paraesthesia (pins and needles) and tingling in the fingers and hands especially the thumb and adjacent two fingers. The symptoms are markedly apparent at night, often awakening the sufferer from sleep and making it necessary for the person to “shake out” or rub the hands in an attempt to relieve the unpleasant sensations. The hands can also feel clumsy, weak and fatigue easily with activity. Over time, the ability to hold small objects using the thumb and fingers can be affected dramatically and if left untreated, can lead to total dysfunction of the hand.
The following are typical causes and corresponding conditions:
- repetitive and forceful grasping with the hands
- prolonged computer usage especially with poor wrist position
- activities that require repetitive bending of the wrist
- broken or dislocated bones in the wrist which produce swelling
- arthritis, especially the rheumatoid type
- thyroid gland imbalance
- sugar diabetes
- hormonal changes associated with menopause or pregnancy
Although any of the above can make one susceptible to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, in many cases the cause is unknown. Nevertheless, those who work with equipment that vibrates and/or perform their jobs in extreme temperatures often develop carpal tunnel symptoms. In addition, repetitive housework as seemingly inconsequential as wringing clothes by hand, can bring on carpal tunnel symptoms. However, the continuing increase in computer use is the most compelling explanation for the number of individuals who are suffering with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome today. This is becoming a major concern in the developed world where people of all ages are spending much of their time typing on a keyboard & clicking on a mouse.
Treatment
Competent diagnosis and treatment is vital to relieving the painful and debilitating symptoms of CTS. Your Ventura Chiropractor is highly skilled in the diagnosis and managment of CTS. Chiropractors are equipped to deal with this problem and can offer many sufferers with relief. In addition to chiropractic adjustments of the wrist joints, treatment by chiropractor may include inflammation reduction therapy such as ultrasound or low level laser. Electromusclestim can often help to strengthen the weak muscles of the forearm and soft tissue massage is effective in stretching contracted tissues. You might be advised to wear a splint or support, particularly at night, to aid in the decompression of the carpal tunnel. Your Ventura Chiropractor will also give you specific exercises to stretch and/or strengthen muscles of the forearm and hand.