Are you one of the millions of adult Americans who struggle with carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS? This hand and wrist condition is progressive: however, chiropractic therapies from Dr. Gina Beech at Bethesda Back Center in Bethesda, MD, can minimize your symptoms and improve hand and wrist function.
FAQs about carpal tunnel syndrome
What is the carpal tunnel?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow space in the wrist bone. It carries blood vessels, ligaments, tendons and the median nerve into the hand. This nerve allows for hand function and sensation. The carpal tunnel is covered by the transverse carpal ligament. Flexor tendons that operate the hand and fingers also occupy the carpal tunnel. When injured and/or inflamed, the transverse carpal ligament compresses the median nerve, causing the characteristic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, is a collection of symptoms affecting the wrist, hand, thumb, index and middle finger, with occasional involvement of one side of the ring finger. Symptoms include:
- Numbness, burning and tingling sensations in the hand and fingers (many times traveling up the arm to the shoulder)
- Hand weakness and impaired dexterity
- The frequent dropping of common items such as a pencil or cup
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) says that many people report their symptoms increase at night, waking them up. Also, symptoms worsen with repetitive activity, such as keyboarding and driving.
What causes CTS?
Traumatic injury to the hand and wrist can. More frequently, though, repetitive motions, constant wrist flexion and the inflammatory changes associated with pregnancy, menopause and diabetes contribute to CTS. Inherited bone structure plays a role, too, states the American Chiropractic Association.
How can a chiropractor help CTS?
When you come to Bethesda Back Center, Dr. Beech will review your symptoms, examine your wrist and hand, note the function and range of motion and take some X-rays. With a confirmed diagnosis, she will recommend a care plan which may include:
- Splinting or bracing of the affected hand
- Ibuprofen for pain
- Ice to the wrist to reduce inflammation
- Chiropractic adjustments to the neck and shoulder
- Stretching
- Exercises to strengthen the wrist and hand
What is the long-term prognosis?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can progress to the point where surgery (carpal tunnel release) is the only option. However, simpler interventions, such as those offered by your chiropractor in her Bethesda, MD, practice manage symptoms, providing many patients with significant long-term relief.
Don't struggle with carpal tunnel syndrome
Take advantage of the superior chiropractic care provided by Dr. Gina Beech at Bethesda Back Center. Call us today to arrange an informative and helpful consultation: (301) 897-8500.