Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
The carpal tunnel receives its name from the 8 bones in the wrist, called carpals, that form a tunnel-like structure. The tunnel is filled with flexor tendons which control finger movement. It also contains the median nerve that provides sensation in the hand. When the tunnel, where the median nerve runs gets compromised, either due to swelling or misalligned bones in the wrists, symptoms often first appear as painful tingling in one or both hands during the night, frequently painful enough to disturb sleep. Accompanying this is a feeling of uselessness in the fingers, which are sometimes described as feeling swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent. As symptoms increase, tingling may develop during the day, commonly in the thumb, index, and ring fingers. A decreased ability and power to squeeze things may follow. In advanced cases, the thenar muscle at the base of the thumb waists, and strength is lost.
What Causes CTS?
Research conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) indicates that job tasks involving highly repetitive manual acts, or necessitating wrist bending or other stressful wrist postures, are connected with incidents of CTS or related problems. The use of vibrating tools also may contribute to CTS. Moreover, it is apparent that this hazard is not confined to a single industry or job but occurs in many occupations especially those in the manufacturing sector. Indeed, jobs involving cutting, small parts assembly, finishing, sewing, and cleaning seem predominantly associated with the syndrome. The factor common in these jobs is the repetitive use of small hand tools. Another reason can be from falls onto outstretched hands, sports injuries etc.
Treatment :
First and foremost we recommend that treatment for CTS be conservative and non invasive. Surgery to release the compression on the median nerve has mixed outcomes and should be viewed only as a last resort after all conservative methods have failed. Chiropractors treat many patients suffering from CTS with great success.
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