Chiropractic Care for Carpal Tunnel
If you work as a mechanic, seamstress, baker, hairdresser, typist, or any other profession that requires long hours of repetitive wrist motion, then you may have a high risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. You can also develop carpal tunnel syndrome from practicing hobbies you enjoy. For example, if you enjoy playing the guitar, piano, drums, or any instrument that emphasizes wrist motion, then you also have a high risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. If you are wondering how you can ease or prevent symptoms, then contact RxWellness Herndon and ask about chiropractic care for carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is Carpal Tunnel
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the palm side of the hand, where the median nerve passes through. Anything that narrows that corridor and causes the median nerve to be compressed can result in carpal tunnel syndrome. For example, a wrist sprain or fracture can reshape the tiny space and significantly narrow the passageway. If the tunnel is narrowed and the median nerve is compressed or pinched it will result in painful symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Inflammation or swelling can also press on the nerve, causing painful symptoms.
When you work with a qualified chiropractor, they will ask you questions and do examinations to get a better understanding of what may be contributing to the pain. Once they have an idea of what may be compressing the median nerve, they can create an appropriate treatment plan to help you function and work without constant pain.
Young fitness woman runner stretching hand before run in the park. Outdoor exercise activities concept.What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel
Compression or pinching of the median nerve can cause painful tingling or numbing of the hand and the arm. The median nerve travels through the carpal tunnel, and if the pathway constricts the nerve it can result in some of the following symptoms.
- Tingling
- Usually the thumb and index finger, but not the pinky.
- Numbing
- From the wrist and travel up to the arm
- Usually whenever you try to grasp or grab something.
- Weakness
- May cause you to drop objects
- Less strength and coordination
- You may even be unable to use your thumb to pinch
Risk Factors of Carpal Tunnel
Risk factors are anything that makes developing carpal tunnel more likely. Risk factors for carpal tunnel are anything that alters the space of the tiny passageway, thus making it smaller and more probable that the median nerve will be compressed.
- Wrist fractures
- Dislocation
- Sex (woman typically have smaller wrist)
- Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, which are categorized by inflammation and swelling
- Obesity
- Workplace factors (work that requires repetitive wrist motion)
Big scar on male hand after chainsaw injury. Huge wound cicatrix close up.How to Care for Carpal Tunnel at Home
Chiropractic care can be very effective at treating carpal tunnel syndrome because it treats the source of the problem, and attempts to directly relieve pressure from nerves through a combination of adjustments, massage therapy, dry needling, or whatever else the doctor might recommend. However, if you still have not made up your mind, here are some simple ways you can manage carpal tunnel syndrome at home.
- Splint the wrist
- Splinting the wrist can help with stabilization.
- It also helps to keep the wrist straight, reducing pressure on the nerve.
- Best if worn while doing repetitive tasks. It can reduce pressure off the nerve and prevent flares up after constant use.
- Stretching Exercises
- Using a tennis ball or stress ball and squeeze regularly
- Clenched fist
- Prayer position
- Yoga
Chiropractic Treatment for Carpal Tunnel & RxWellness Spine & Health
Doing repetitive tasks can cause the tiny bones in your hands and wrist to shift and slip out of their proper position. Chiropractic care can correct wrist misalignment by pushing the bones back into their correct position. If the bones are in their proper place, this will reduce the chance of them compressing or pinching the median nerve.
Sometimes tight muscles or inflammation can be pinching the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. Massage therapy can help relax and relieve tight areas, so they do not compress the nerve and cause painful symptoms.
Dry Needling provides a more exact mechanism for relieving and releasing trigger points that may be compressing the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. When you work with the chiropractors at RxWellness Herndon, they will recommend the best course of treatment for you.
Contact Us
Regardless of what you do for employment or for fun, you have to actively manage your health and take precautions to protect your wrist. Chiropractic care is the best type of preventative care, however, if you already developed carpal tunnel syndrome, then chiropractic care can also help relieve the pain and discomfort. If you are still unsure of how to prevent symptoms, then contact RxWellness Herndon and we will discuss chiropractic care for carpal tunnel syndrome in more detail. Give us a call at 1+(703) 904 9666 or book an appointment online.