Carpal Tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury. This category of injury is caused by repetitive motion, such as typing or assembly line work, which causes pain and injury over time. This condition includes numbness, tingling, weakness, and other problems in your hand because of pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. The median nerve and several tendons run from your forearm to your hand through a small space in your wrist.
The median nerve controls movement and feeling in your thumb and first three fingers (not your little finger). Pressure on the median nerve causes this condition. This pressure can come from swelling or anything that makes the “tunnel” smaller.
The most common cause is nerve root irritation of the cervical spinal nerves that get inflamed and end up entrapped in the wrist.
A study was done on a 42-year old female suffering from pain, tingling and numbness in the right wrist. EMG testing confirmed the diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Chiropractic manipulations were rendered 3 times a week for 4 weeks to the subject’s cervical spine, right elbow and wrist using a low amplitude, short level, low force, high velocity thrust. Significant increase in grip strength and normalization of motor and sensory latencies were noted. Orthopedic tests were negative, and symptoms dissipated.
The earlier that it is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome can be. Diagnosis includes a physical examination and possibly x-rays. Chiropractic treatment is extremely effective in treating carpal tunnel symptoms. A chiropractor can determine if the spine is the primary source of the symptoms through a thorough examination.
Chiropractors treat carpal tunnel by adjusting the wrist, arm, and upper spine. A subluxation of in the spine can often be the cause of carpal tunnel symptoms. This means that you may have the symptoms of carpal tunnel because of nerve interference in your neck or upper back.