Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is
a condition characterized by numbness, tingling, and/or pain located on the
palm side of the wrist, hand and into the index, third, and half of the ring
finger. It’s caused by pressure exerted on the median nerve as it passes
through the “tunnel” located in the wrist. The “floor” of the tunnel is a
ligament while the “walls” are made up of eight small carpal bones that lock
together in the shape of a tunnel. There are nine tendons (tendons attach
muscles to bones allowing us to move our fingers), sheaths covering the
tendons, blood vessels, and the median nerve that ALL travel through the
tunnel, so it’s packed pretty tight. ANYTHING that increases the size of any of
these structures or anything “extra” that shouldn’t be there can increase the
pressure inside the tunnel, pinch the median nerve, and result in the classic
numb/tingling symptoms that wake people up at night, or interfere with work or
driving.
In the Unites States (US), about
1 out of 20 people will suffer from CTS. Caucasians have the highest incidence
rate and women are affected more than men by a 3:1 ratio between ages of 45-60
years old. Only 10% of the reported cases of CTS are under 30 years old.
Occupational CTS (as of 2010) affects 8% of US workers with 24% attributed to
manufacturing industry jobs. This equates to approximately 3.1 million cases of
work-related CTS in 2010. The risk of developing CTS increases with age,
diabetes, hypothyroid, pregnancy, taking birth control pills, having an
inflammatory arthritis, being obese, pinched nerves in the neck, thoracic
outlet, elbow, and others. Therefore, managing CTS requires a thorough
evaluation in order to assure accuracy in the diagnosis. With this background
information, let’s look at the question, WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP CTS? One
answer is, don’t age – good luck with that! In addition to keeping your weight
under control, exercise can be VERY effective and YOU can be in charge of that
process, but we have to teach you the exercises.
1)
The Carpal Stretch (“nerve gliding”): Place your palm on the wall near shoulder height with
the fingers pointing down at the floor and press the palm of the hand flat on
the wall. Lastly, reach across with the opposite hand and pull your thumb back
off of the wall and hold for 5-15 seconds.
2)
The Wrist Extensor Stretch: Do the same as #1 but place the back of the hand on
the wall in front of you, again fingers pointing downward. Here, there is no
need to stretch the thumb.
3)
The “Bear Claw”: Make a fist and then open up the hand. Keep the small finger joints
flexed while extending the knuckles at the base of each finger straight (not
bent). Repeat 5-10x.
4)
Putty Squeeze: Simply
squeeze putty in your hand for two to five minutes until fatigued.
5) Yoga has been shown to reduce pain and improve grip
strength in CTS patients!
Now the question, “…can these
exercises prevent surgery?” The answer is “maybe.” They certainly help in some
cases, but a multi-dimensional treatment plan is the BEST approach.
This includes: 1) Chiropractic manipulation of the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder,
and neck; 2) Soft tissue “release”
techniques of the muscles in the forearm, upper arm, shoulder, and neck; 3) Cock-up wrist splint to be used at
night, and in some cases, at times during the day; 4) Ergonomic management of your work station or situation (to
minimize repetitive insult to the area); 5)
Nutritional support that may include an anti-inflammatory diet and
nutrients (vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc.), and 6) Managing any contributing conditions like diabetes, hypothyroid,
and/or the others. Here’s the GOOD NEWS: CHIROPRACTIC can manage these six
steps, though some cases will require co-management with primary care and/or
specialist.
We realize you have a choice in
whom you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate
your trust in choosing our service for those needs. If you, a friend, or family member requires
care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, we would be honored to render our services.
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