3720 W Dale Ave Tampa, Fl 33609
South Tampa
Chiropractic Clinic
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The Carpal Tunnel is a narrow passageway is located at the base of the hand near the wrist and is comprised of ligament and bone. Within the "tunnel" are nerves and tendons. One of those nerves is the Median Nerve. The Median Nerve runs from the forearm to the hand and controls the impulses that run to the palm, thumb and fingers. Repetitive activity and/or injury can cause the Carpal Tunnel to become thickened, making the passageway smaller, and as a result the Median Nerve is compressed. The result of this compression can be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist. As CTS progresses, these sensations may become so acute and persistent that an afflicted person can no longer perform the simplest of tasks, such as grasping objects. If CTS is left untreated, hand muscles deteriorate and may result in permanent disability.
More Pervasive Than You Would Think!
The risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) isn't limited to a particular job or activity, but is most common in jobs or hobbies that require repetitive motions, such as assembly line work and sewing. CTS is three times more common among assemblers than among data-entry personnel. Women are three times more likely to develop CTS than are men. In addition to repetitive motion, other factors may also cause CTS, such as a trauma or injury to the wrist that causes swelling.
Although there are a number of treatment options for CTS, early diagnosis is the key to preventing permanent damage to the Median Nerve. If you already have CTS, then you should consider which treatment options are best for you and act quickly.
Traditional options often include surgery as a treatment for CTS. But since CTS is easily misdiagnosed, especially in its early stages, you'll want to get a second opinion before you submit to the pain and costs of surgery. Other treatment options may also include medications for pain. But long term use of pain medications, even aspirin, can cause permanent digestive track and other complications.
The Role of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic offers treatment options for CTS that do not require surgery, and which offer more effective and permanent relief than pain medication.
Where spinal misalignment causes or exaggerates CTS, adjustments to the spine can provide significant relief. In addition, misaligned bones of the wrist (carpal bones) may also cause compression of the carpal tunnel. As an alternative to surgery, Chiropractic adjustment to the affected area is a much less invasive and less expensive treatment option. In addition to Chiropractic adjustments, stretching and strengthening exercises and other physical therapy are often important therapeutic treatments for CTS.
Cold Laser Therapy is an exciting, highly effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome! South Tampa Chiropractic Clinic utilizes the Microlight 830DC laser which has been approved by the FDA for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. The Cold Laser stimulates the immune system, decreases inflammation, accelerates cellular healing, and creates an optimal healing environment. The patient will benefit from the healing environment by a reduction in swelling, muscle spasm, and a decrease in radiating pain and burning sensations in the hands.
Combined, the treatments listed above can often eliminate the symptoms
of CTS.