Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) has become one of the most widespread occupational health problems we face today. It affects millions of people per year, and with our growing reliance on computers there seems to be no end in sight. The syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve just above the wrist. Pressure on this nerve can be caused by an injury or sustained use from common activities like typing, chopping, hammering, or pushing. Symptoms of CTS range from wrist pain, numbness, tingling, burning, weakness or loss of grip stength, and loss of sleep due to discomfort.

Medically this condition is commonly treated with surgery which attempts to remove the pressure from the affected nerve by widening the area surrounding the nerve. This surgery is costly, invasive and rarley has lasting effects. As the area of surgery heels scar tissue build and the pressure returns to the area.

Within the profession of chiropractic we first look to the spine in those who have carpel tunnel. The reason we look to the spine is because the nerves that supply your arm and hand originate in the lower cervical spine (neck). If there is an impingement of any of the nerves at that area it can mimic the signs and symptoms or carpel tunnel. Ironically many things that are thought to cause carple tunnel syndrome also cause misalignments of the spine, an area that is commonly overlooked in those who have carpel tunnel symptoms.

If a misalignment of the spine is not the root cause of your problem then we will begin to look at misalignments of your upper extremity ( shoulder, arm, forearm and wrist) in order to restore all joints to their normal position. In the majority of patients this form or care is very effective in restoring normal function and  symptoms associated with carpel tunnel syndrome.  Call today to find out how we can help you or a loved one without the use of invasive drugs or surgeries !