If you spend a great deal of time working at a desk and have ignored numbness or tingling in your wrist and hand for months, you may suddenly feel that the numbness or tingling makes way for a piercing pain that travels throughout the wrist and all the way up to your arm. Even though this might be a passing cramp, chances are that you one of the many people who struggle with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful, progressive condition that is attributed to the compression of a key nerve in the wrist. It occurs when the nerve that runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand (the median nerve) is squeezed or pressed at the wrist. The reason that we feel this is because the median nerve controls both the impulses to some small muscles in the hand and the sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers.

The ‘carpal tunnel’ is a rigid, narrow passageway of bones and ligaments at the base of the hand. This is where our tendons and median nerve is located. It is possible that the tunnel narrows (thus causing the compression) because of swelling or the thickening of irritated tendons. This leads to numbness, weakness, or pain in the hand and wrist, radiating all the way up your arm.

Even though the painful sensations often associated with carpal tunnel syndrome may be related to other conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome is the most widely known and most common of the entrapment neuropathies. What is it that you can do about this pain though?

How does chiropractic help carpal tunnel syndrome?

Fortunately, chiropractors commonly treat carpal tunnel syndrome. The way that a doctor of chiropractic can help treat carpal tunnel syndrome is through manipulation of the upper spine, elbow, and wrist. It is also possible to offer relief by offering wrist supports and ultrasound therapy.

Studies have shown that chiropractic treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome can be highly effective. One of the most influential studies showed that 25 patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome noticed significant improvements in several key areas, including a reduction in pain, an increase in range of motion, and improved overall strength. The study showed that these improvements remained consistent for at least six months.

A second study compared 91 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and tried to determine whether conservative medical care (ibuprofen and wrist supports) or chiropractic care offered better results. The research showed that both groups experienced drastic improvements in comfort, finger sensation, and nerve function.

How does massage therapy help carpel tunnel syndrome?

Keep in mind that the problems stems from the entrapment or inflammation nerves within the carpal tunnel of the anterior wrist. As a result, massage therapy can offer a number of different benefits to people who struggle with this discomfort.

A massage therapist is capable of alleviating pain and discomfort in the wrist by increasing the micro-vascular blood supply and relieving the pressure on the nerve. Even though these do not offer permanent changes (unlike surgery for example), the frequent massage of the wrist, forearm flexors, and anterior musculature can significantly reduce discomfort.

Other time the pain is because of the nerve being constricted in the spinal area. As a result, massage therapy can expand to the upper back and shoulder area to ensure that it becomes more effective to treat this particular form of pain.

Why it is important to take action for carpal tunnel syndrome

One of the primary reasons that it is important to take action for carpal tunnel syndrome is because this is not a problem that relieves itself. If anything, chances are that it is going to become progressively worse over time. Oftentimes this is attributed to poor ergonomics at work, poor posture, overextension, or a combination of these problems. Waiting too long and having the problem compound over time may lead to surgery being the only alternative option. This means that it is not only vitally important that you focus on the prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome, but also be aware of any sensations that strike you as odd or out of the ordinary. If you want to find out whether the numbness, tingling, or pain is associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, call the professionals at Total Back Care today. Call 8357 8211 right now and you can have your appointment to find out what, if anything, can be done to deal with your possible carpal tunnel syndrome