Can Chiropractic Aid in Eliminating Carpal Tunnel Pain?
Introduction
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome falls into the category of neurological conditions referred to as nerve entrapment disorders and is easily the most prevalent of these disorders. As the term “nerve entrapment” implies, these disorders present when a nerve is trapped or compressed between body tissues creating inflammation and impairment of the nerve.
Anatomy
The carpal tunnel is located in the underside of the wrist and is a passageway in which the median nerve travels through on its way to innervate 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. Also within the tunnel are arteries and lymphatic vessels that provide circulation to the hand. Wrist bones form the bottom and sides of the tunnel, while the top is shaped by the transverse carpal ligament, a powerful band of connective tissue. The carpal tunnel is a densely-packed space about the size of an index finger. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are expected to glide smoothly 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 decreases due to a mechanical dysfunction of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become compressed or entrapped by the carpal tunnel. In the beginning, carpal tunnel symptoms generally include, pain, numbness, pins and needles, and tinging in the fingers and hand, particularly the thumb and adjacent two fingers. These symptoms are especially noticeable in the night and often wake people from their sleep as the individual has to sit up in bed and shake-out and/or rub the hands in order decrease these unpleasant feelings. In addition, activity can cause the hands to feel awkward or weak, and fatigue easily. Eventually, grasping small objects using the thumb and fingers can be gravely affected and, without treatment, can result in complete debilitation of the hand.
Some accepted causes and associated conditions are:
- 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
Though any of the causes and conditions listed can be partly responsible for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, often the actual root cannot be found. Nevertheless, those who work with equipment that vibrates and/or perform their jobs in extreme temperatures often develop carpal tunnel symptoms. Even household activities as simple as repetitive wringing clothes by hand can help cause this syndrome. By far the most significant reason for the increase of people suffering with CTS is the continuous rise in the use of computers. The repetitive motions of typing on the keyboard and moving the mouse over extended periods of time is a primary indicator for many people with CTS.
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.
Sports Injuries and Chiropractic Care
Sports injuries, today are not just limited to professional athletes or boys who participate in school sports programs. Everyday, men and women of all ages are involved in regular sports and fitness activities. A large percentage of people participate in sports like golf and tennis, and/or other healthy activities like running, aerobic classes, and weight training. Sadly, risk of injury is always a possibility with any sports activity.
The majority of injuries can be put into two categories: 1) traumatic injury, such as a slip, fall, or collision and, 2) repetitive stress or overuse injury.
Traumatic Injuries
As the name implies, this type of injury produces the type of incapacitation and debilitation most frequently associated with trauma. As a rule injuries to the ligaments (the tissue that connects bone to bone) and to muscles are the most common, though the trauma of fractures and dislocations frequently occurs in contact sports. Trauma to a ligament is called a sprain, while damage to a muscle or its tendon is a strain. The most frequent parts of the body for these kinds of injuries are the ankles, knees, and shoulders, but other areas can be affected including the low back and neck. Because the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves can be affected, injury to the neck and low back can be very serious.
Traumatic injuries can vary from a mild “muscle pull” or ankle twist to a serious problem necessitating surgery. The enormity of the injury depends upon several factors, such as the severity of tearing of the tissues, the region of the injury, and the age of the person. Most sprains and strains are related to some degree of swelling and sometimes with internal bleeding, particularly with injury to the ankles and knees. Strains and sprains require proper attention, particularly during the initial stages of an injury, to insure proper healing and guard against future disability. Treatment from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly advisable.
If you’ve sustained an injury, the best course of action is to see a professional. Until help is attainable, remember the acronym, PRICE:
P Protect injury to prevent further damage
R Rest the damaged body region
I Ice injury to abate swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C Compress injury with a specifically designed or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E Elevate the injury, particularly when the damage is to ankles and knees
As previously mentioned, proper assessment and treatment are vital to a complete recovery. A chiropractor can determine the degree of your injury and start needed recovery treatment. When appropriate management is given during the various stages of healing, nearly all those who have sustained sprain and strain injuries will recover. If not managed attentively, some sprains and strains can result in long-lasting problems such as joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. Good management of your sports injury by a chiropractor with years of experience in sports injury care will insure that your injury recovers properly. Call your Santa Barbara chiropractor if you have sustained a traumatic injury.
Repetitive Stress, or Overuse, Injuries
Sports such as golf, tennis, and bowling, as well as any other activity that necessitates the same movements over and over are prevalent causes of repetitive stress injuries. An action as natural and healthy as running, especially on a treadmill, can also be a factor.
Basically, overuse or repetitive stress injuries occur when an individual is involved in a repetitious activity that produces a very small strain to tissues, expressly tendons and muscles, that in and of itself would not cause a problem, but repeated many times has an accumulative effect. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most frequent classes of overuse injuries. The pain, stiffness, and disability associated with carpal tunnel problems takes place over a period of time as the muscles and other affected tissue develop changes that no longer let normal function. Definite factors predispose a person to these kinds of injury. Some are “intrinsic,” that is to say, the factor is found within a person’s own body. Other factors are “extrinsic,” which is to say that the factors are external and can frequently be changed or controlled by the individual.
Some of the most widespread intrinsic factors for injury
Age is the mostwell-established intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that man or woman to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. A number of people are born with joint or muscle problems. And, finally, previous injuries are a factor as they generally prohibit the joints or muscles from functioning properly.
Extrinsic factors for injury
Extrinsic factors are numerous. For instance, sports equipment can faulty–an improper grip size of tennis racket or worn-out running shoes are prime examples, even a playing surface can be a factor, like a too-hard surface for soccer or an uneven treadmill. Inept technique, like an improper golf grip or swing, can produce stress and strain injuries. An additional factor is poor conditioning. Some individuals are injured because they are out of shape. Elevated frequency or prolonged duration of an activity, without building up slowly, can create the conditions for injury. Inadequate flexibility can produce injury if an individual is too stiff to do an activity safely. Warming up is vital before sports activities and not warming up, that is, not stretching or preparing for an activity is a prevalent cause of injury. And, lastly, but perhaps surprising to some, stress is a factor. Muscles that are tense and inflexible because of stress are too tight and, as such, unprepared for most sports activities.
It is important to remember that almost all factors are extrinsic and, therefore, they are factors that can be individually controlled. Before starting a new sport, or as a way to ward off injury in a current sport, it’s wise to get an assessment of your general body condition. If you’ve been injured, it is vital to seek out a experienced professional, like a chiropractor, to diagnose the nature of the injury and create a plan of care. If left untreated, an injury will not only prohibit an individual from participating in a favorite activity, but can significantly affect someone’s life in general. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is frequently necessary to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is a good source of help. Call a chiropractor if you’re either thinking of beginning a new activity, you’re feeling pain related to a current sports activity, or you’ve sustained a sports injury. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.