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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome commonly referred to as CTS, occurs when the median nerve, which is located just above the wrist, is pinched or inflamed. The carpal tunnel is at the base of the palm of your hand and is made of bones, tendons, and a thick ligament that surround the median nerve. The pinching is a result of sustained activities like typing, hammering, or pushing. Many believe that constant repetitive use of the hand causes the problem. Although an injury such as a broken wrist or a dislocated hand bone harms the nerve as well. In some cases the carpal tunnel is smaller in some peoples’ hands and leads to a higher likelihood of CTS occurring.

Signs and symptoms of CTS include:

  • Nighttime painful tingling in one or both hands, frequently causing sleep disturbance
  • Feeling of uselessness in the fingers
  • A sense that fingers are swollen even though little or no swelling is apparent
  • Daytime tingling in the hands, followed by a decreased ability to squeeze things
  • Loss of strength in the muscle at the base of the thumb, near the palm
  • Pain shooting from the hand up the arm as far as the shoulder

The carpal tunnel is filled with tendons (bundles of collagen fibers that attach muscle to bone) that control finger movement. Tasks requiring highly repetitive and forceful movements of the wrist can cause swelling around the tendons, resulting in a pinched nerve and producing CTS.

Most often health care provider may put your wrist in a splint or brace to keep your wrist from bending, and to minimize or prevent pressure on the nerve. You would be asked to probably wear the splint full time for 3 – 4 weeks, then only at night. You may also be asked to compliment this treatment by putting ice on your wrist, massaging the area, and doing stretching exercises.

Over the years we have seen that the most preferred and safest treatments for CTS has been Chiropractic. The methods we use at Connecticut Family Chiropractic to treat CTS include manipulation of the wrist, elbow, and upper spine, ultrasound therapy, and wrist supports. Multiple studies support the use of chiropractic treatment for CTS.

In one study study, 25 individuals diagnosed with CTS reported significant improvements in several measures of strength, range of motion, and pain after receiving chiropractic treatment at the Connecticut Family Chiropractic. We have also seen that these improvements were maintained and sustained over the next few years for most of our patients.

Another study compared the effects of chiropractic care with conservative medical care (wrist supports and ibuprofen) among 91 people with CTS. Both groups experienced significant improvement in nerve function, finger sensation, and comfort. The researchers concluded that chiropractic treatment and conservative medical care are equally effective for people with CTS.