Carpal Tunnel: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Could that pain in your wrist be due to carpal tunnel syndrome? Why not relieve your pain naturally with a visit to the chiropractor? Bethesda, MD, chiropractor Dr. Gina Beech offers carpal tunnel syndrome treatment at Bethesda Back Center.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs due to compression of the median nerve. The nerve travels from your wrist to your hand through a tunnel created by the carpal bones in your wrist. If the tunnel narrows or swells, the resulting pressure on the nerve causes pain and other symptoms. You may be at increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome if your hobby or job requires you to perform the same motions repetitively, or if you're pregnant, smoke, fractured your wrist or have certain diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

• Pain: Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain, numbness, burning or tingling in your wrist, thumb and middle, index or ring fingers. In some cases, you may also feel pain in your arm or shoulder. Pain may be so severe that it keeps you up at night.
• Electric Shock Sensation: Carpal tunnel syndrome can produce sensations that feel as if you've accidentally shocked yourself.
• Weakness: Do you frequently drop items or lose your grip easily? These symptoms are common with carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Difficulty Moving Your Wrist or Hand: You may find it hard to rotate your wrist or move your hand up or down or from side to side.
• Temperature Differences: Your hand may feel hotter or colder than the rest of your body.

How can my Bethesda chiropractor help me?

Your chiropractor will create a treatment plan for you based on your examination, symptoms and X-rays or other diagnostic tests. In addition to gently manipulating your wrist and elbow, she'll also address any spinal alignment issues, as a poorly aligned spine may contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Other treatments may also be used, such as ultrasound therapy to reduce swelling an inflammation. Your chiropractor may recommend that you wear wrist supports to reduce pain and can teach you exercises that may help ease pressure on the median nerve.

Relieve your carpal tunnel syndrome pain with chiropractic treatment! Call Bethesda, MD, chiropractor Dr. Gina Beech of Bethesda Back Center at (301) 897-8500 to schedule an appointment.