The carpal tunnel is a hollow tube of bone located at the bottom of the wrist. Inside this “tunnel” runs the median nerve that brings electrical signals for movement of the hand. The tunnel also protects nine tendons that control finger muscles. Repetitive movements, certain illnesses, fluid composition of the body and anatomical features can create pressure on the nerve in the carpal tunnel.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness, tingling and weakness in the wrist. It can be a chronic problem in people who work at computer keyboards throughout the day. People who have diabetes or alcoholism may be prone to carpal tunnel syndrome. Arthritis can also contribute to the carpal tunnel pain.
Ice-heat therapy can be used to relieve pain of carpal tunnel syndrome. In this treatment, you immerse the wrist area into comfortably hot water for three minutes and then place them in ice water for one minute. Repeat this three times, twice daily. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen, under the brand name of Tylenol, can be used for wrist pain relief, as well as for arthritis relief.
Premier Health Chiropractors may recommend therapy exercise that stretch and strengthen the muscles of the wrist and arm. This will help relieve carpal tunnel syndrome pain and help you avoid surgery. Extending your arms out in front of you and holding the hands in an upward position, as if in a handstand, can stretch the muscles at the bottom of the wrist. Hold this position for five counts and then release. Another exercise holds the arms outward in front of you while making a fist with both hands. You then turn these fists downward and hold for five counts. Do these exercises 10 times and then shake out the arms to release tension.
Chiropractic treatment has been shown to relieve carpal tunnel pain in two different studies. Treatment can include manipulation of wrists, elbows, arms and into the upper spine. Our chiropractors may also apply ultrasound treatment therapy to these areas. Use of wrists supports may also be recommended. Treatment generally has results that last for more than six months.
If more conservative measures do not provide wrist pain relief, surgery may be necessary. In this procedure, the band of muscles around the median nerve is severed to release the pressure. After surgery, physical therapy sessions are generally required to strengthen and restore function to the wrist. Contact us today and start relieving your carpal tunnel syndrome pain.