Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a prevalent condition that affects millions of people. Left untreated, CTS can lead to various symptoms that severely impact your ability to perform everyday tasks. Chiropractic care has emerged as a non-invasive treatment option for managing and relieving the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In this blog, we’ll explore how chiropractic care helps alleviate the discomfort associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, compare it with physiotherapy, and offer practical tips for preventing the condition.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Explained
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist, surrounded by bones and ligaments. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is characterized by swelling or narrowing of the carpal tunnel due to injury or repetitive movements. Ultimately, this syndrome causes compression of the median nerve, which controls sensation and movement in the thumb and first three fingers. This compression can result from factors such as repetitive hand movements, wrist injuries, or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Common symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:
- Numbness and Tingling: This is often felt in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. The sensation can be intermittent or constant, often worsening at night or after prolonged use of the hands.
- Pain: Pain associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may begin in the wrist and radiate upwards into the arm, potentially extending as far as the shoulder. This pain can range from a mild ache to sharp, shooting pain that disrupts daily activities.
- Weakness in the Hand: As the condition progresses, weakness in the hand may develop, making it difficult to perform fine movements or hold onto objects. Actions such as buttoning a shirt or holding a pen may feel difficult. In severe cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb may atrophy, leading to a noticeable reduction in grip strength.
Difficulty with Fine Movements: Individuals with CTS often find it challenging to perform fine motor tasks, such as typing or picking up small objects. This is due to both the loss of sensation and the weakness that can occur in the hand and fingers.
How Chiropractors Address Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Chiropractic treatment for carpal tunnel may consist of adjustments to the cervical vertebrae, elbow and wrist. Manipulation of these regions can help to relieve pressure off of the median nerve to ultimately relieve symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
The chiropractor may also use soft tissue techniques to reduce tension in the muscles and tendons surrounding the wrist. These therapies aim to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and enhance the healing process. In addition, the chiropractor may provide guidance on ergonomic adjustments and specific stretches or exercises to prevent further strain on the wrist and promote long-term recovery.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Chiropractic care is highly beneficial for treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, as it is non-invasive, unlike typical surgical procedures. It focuses on reducing pressure on the median nerve and alleviating symptoms without surgery. Key benefits include:
- Pain Relief: Chiropractic care targets dysfunction in the wrist, elbow, and cervical spine, reducing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.
- Improved Function: Regular sessions can enhance wrist and hand mobility, improving range of motion and strength in the affected areas.
- Reduced Inflammation: Chiropractic care can help decrease inflammation, a common cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms.
- Preventing Further Injury: By addressing posture and ergonomics, chiropractic care helps prevent the recurrence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
- Personalized Care: Chiropractors offer customized treatment plans that may include joint mobilizations, exercises, and lifestyle recommendations for comprehensive recovery.
Treating Carpal Tunnel: Chiropractic Care vs. Physiotherapy
When it comes to addressing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, both chiropractic care and physiotherapy have shown promising results.
Chiropractic care focuses on correcting spinal and joint function. This in turn helps relieve pressure on the median nerve by improving alignment and reducing nerve irritation. This approach can be particularly beneficial in the initial stages of treatment, providing rapid symptom relief and helping to restore normal function.
On the other hand, physiotherapy tends to focus more on long-term rehabilitation. Physiotherapists design personalized exercise programs aimed at strengthening the muscles and ligaments surrounding the median nerve. These exercises help improve wrist flexibility, enhance muscle endurance, and reduce the likelihood of future flare-ups. Physiotherapy may also incorporate modalities like shockwave therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
In many cases, a combination of chiropractic care and physiotherapy provides the most comprehensive treatment plan, addressing both immediate symptom relief and long-term prevention. Chiropractic treatments may be better for primary treatment to help relieve pressure off of the median nerve. Physiotherapy may be more beneficial in the long term by strengthening the surrounding muscles/ligaments around the median nerve.
Managing Carpal Tunnel: Essential Lifestyle Adjustments
There are numerous ways individuals can reduce their risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Avoid Repetitive Wrist Motion: If possible, limiting repetitive motion of the wrists and fingers can help to reduce this risk. If this is required in your daily life/job, taking a break to stretch your hands out frequently is important.
- Proper Posture: Maintaining a proper posture can limit risk by keeping a straight neck and ensuring wrists and forearms are level.
- Ergonomic Workstation: Set up your workspace with an ergonomic keyboard, mouse, and wrist rest to keep your wrists straight and reduce strain.
- Use Proper Tools: Choose ergonomic tools with padded handles or cushioned mouse pads to reduce wrist strain and keep your hands in a comfortable position.
- Stretch Regularly: Incorporate wrist flexor and extensor stretches into your routine to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
- Mind Your Grip: Avoid gripping tools or pens too tightly. Use larger grip tools to reduce pressure on your fingers and hands.
Your Partner in Pain Relief
If you’re struggling with the discomfort and limitations caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it’s important not to ignore the symptoms. Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, effective approach to managing and relieving the pain and numbness associated with this condition. By addressing the root cause of the problem, chiropractic care can help restore normal function to your wrists and hands, allowing you to regain your quality of life.
At Valeo Physiotherapy, our skilled Milton chiropractors are dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. Don’t let Carpal Tunnel Syndrome hold you back—schedule an appointment with us today and take the first step toward relief and recovery.
