The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist. It is surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of your hand. When the median nerve becomes compressed, it causes a condition called carpal tunnel syndrome. Fortunately, this condition can be treated by our chiropractor at Sykes Family Chiropractic in Durham.
Carpal Tunnel Risk Factors
There are several risk factors associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. These factors may not cause the condition directly; however, they can increase the risk of damage to the median nerve and irritation.
- Workplace factors: Certain workplace factors can increase your risk for this condition. Your risk increases if you have a job that requires you to use vibrating tools or where you need to flex your wrist repeatedly. The risk increases even more if you work in a cold environment.
- Wrist issues: Wrist issues, such as a broken wrist, dislocated wrist, or arthritis can reduce the space in the carpal tunnel. This will put pressure on the median nerve.
- Nerve damaging conditions: Certain chronic illnesses such as diabetes can increase your risk of developing nerve damage, which includes damage to the median nerve.
- Inflammatory conditions: Inflammatory issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the lining around the tendons in the wrist.
- Medical conditions: Medical conditions including thyroid disease, lymphedema, kidney failure, and menopause can all increase your risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Obesity: Being obese or overweight can increase the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes a couple of symptoms. Some people experience minor symptoms, while others experience more severe symptoms. They include:
- Numbness and tingling: Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbing and tingling in the thumb and index finger. Many people report that it feels like an electric shock. The sensation can also travel from your wrist to your arm, and it gets worse when holding a steering wheel or a phone. The symptoms may also be more severe when you first wake up in the morning.
- Weakness: Weakness in the hand is common. It can become so severe that it can be difficult to hold objects in your hand.
Chiropractic Care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Our chiropractor can help with carpal tunnel syndrome. We will perform gentle manipulations of the wrist and elbow to relieve the pressure from the median nerve. We use massage therapy to reduce the pain and inflammation, and exercises to help with the pain, numbness, and other symptoms.
Get Relief for Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Durham, CT
If you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, schedule an appointment at Sykes Family Chiropractic. Our chiropractor will create a treatment plan that is designed to provide pain relief and encourage recovery. Call our team today at (860) 349-0639 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.
