Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a nagging condition that can affect the fingers, hand, wrist and/or arm. Common symptoms include achiness, tingling, numbness, pain, weakness, and burning.
What does it occur?
The median nerve, which extends from the forearm to the hand, compresses where it crosses the wrist. Certain people have a predisposition to the condition because of a smaller carpal tunnel. Others become more disposed because of fractures, injuries, and trauma. Jobs that involve recurring movement, such as assembly work and keyboard typing, can encourage flare-ups. Repetitive motion, such as swinging a golf club, can also lead to the condition. Naturally, your golf game will suffer if carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are present. In reality, the cost of golf-related injuries each year is staggering.
What can be done?
Early treatment is important to avoid long-term problems, like permanent nerve damage. Fortunately, successful, non-invasive therapies are available. For example, research has indicated that massage is impressively effective for this condition. Study subjects realized a decrease in pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling. At the same time, they experienced an increase in hand strength. Interestingly, massage not only reduced the more common carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, but it also alleviated anxiety levels, as well.
Are there other natural therapies besides massage?
Fortunately, the answer is yes. Here are some additional measures to consider.
- Hand splint. Splinting holds the hand and wrist in a straighter position. This helps to decrease both nerve pressure and inflammation. Nighttime splinting can be especially effective because it keeps the hand still while sleeping. It is best to use hand splints as soon as symptoms begin.
- Exercise. Exercise, like light hand stretches, can reduce mild to moderate symptoms, especially when used as a complement to other non-invasive therapies. Even so, be sure to follow the advice of a skilled practitioner before beginning an exercise program. Regrettably, some movements, especially when performed incorrectly, can actually make the condition worse.
- Chiropractic care. Chiropractic care uses a muscle technique to relieve spasms and reduce inflammation. Once swelling is eased, nerve compression improves, pain diminishes, and mobility increases. In fact, when combined with other natural methods, chiropractic care is amazing.
- Cold laser treatments. Cold laser therapy affords no downtime but offers wonderful results. Chiropractors have long understood the benefits of cold lasers when addressing this condition. Multiple sessions are commonly needed, and treatments typically serve as an adjunct to other non-invasive therapies.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition that warrants immediate attention. Luckily, conservative measures time and again show positive results.
So, if you have achiness, weakness, tingling, numbness, or burning in your hand, wrist or arm, call Healing Hands Chiropractic Care at 508-752-5150 and schedule an evaluation. After all, summer is too short to not be at the top of your game.
Tags: carpal tunnel, cold laser, health, wrist