There are countless people who spend their days sitting behind a desk. Often, this means typing on a computer. Even though many people believe this job does not carry a high risk of injury, there is a chance people could develop carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a devastating condition that can make it very difficult for people to not only do their jobs but also complete personal obligations as well. Fortunately, chiropractic care can help people overcome carpal tunnel syndrome. Learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome below, and discover how a chiropractor can help you treat this condition.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is an area of the forearm and wrist that protects the median nerve. There are multiple nerves that power the movements and sensory functions of the hand. They include the median nerve, the ulnar nerve, and the radial nerve.
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when someone uses their fingers and wrist too much. For example, someone who types on a computer all day, or someone who sits at a piano all day, could develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
In carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve gets compressed as it passes through the tunnel. The carpal tunnel begins to swell, placing pressure on the median nerve. This can make it difficult for you to move your hand, and it can lead to a number of sensory issues.
What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Similar to other conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome can vary in terms of its scope and severity. When carpal tunnel syndrome initially develops you may only feel the occasional shock-like sensation passing through your hand. You may feel like someone has shocked your wrist, and you will feel it pass into your hand.
Then, as carpal tunnel syndrome gets worse, the symptoms will become more frequent. For example, you may develop numbness and tingling, particularly on the first three and a half fingers from your thumb to your ring finger. You might also find it difficult to type on a computer or send a text message on your phone. When you flex or extend your fingers, you may feel like someone shocked your hand.
If this syndrome is not treated, the symptoms will continue to get worse. That is where a chiropractor can help you.
How Can a Chiropractor Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The first thing a chiropractor will do is take a look at your wrist. The chiropractor may perform adjustments to make sure the bones, ligaments, and tendons are aligned properly. This can prevent tissues in your wrist from pressing on the median nerve. A chiropractor will also check the nerves, ligaments, and tendons throughout the arm to make sure they are functioning properly. Proper alignment is critical for ensuring the median nerve functions without impairment.
Then, the chiropractor will make additional spinal adjustments to prevent symptoms from coming back as well as recommend additional support. For example, the chiropractor may recommend a wrist support that keeps your median nerve aligned with your wrist, palm, and fingers. That way, the median nerve is not compressed as you type on a computer.
Count on a Chiropractor for Help With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
There are many people who believe they require surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Fortunately, this is not always the case. Before setting foot in an operating room, make sure to see a chiropractor. A chiropractor can take a close look at your wrist and figure out where the symptoms are coming from. Then, using manual therapy, a chiropractor might be able to alleviate pressure on the median nerve, treating not only the symptoms but correcting the underlying cause.
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