Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve, leading to its other name, median Nerve compression. It comes with various symptoms like pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand and arm. In most patients, the condition starts gradually before worsening over time; hence early diagnosis and treatment are important. For the best medicine, you need to visit a chiropractor near you.
Here is all you need to know about the condition.
Symptoms
Some of the common Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms include:
- The feeling of weakness in hand when holding things.
- Itching, burning, or tingling numbness on the palm and thumb or the middle and index fingers.
- A sustained tingling feeling ran up my arm.
- Occasional shock-like feelings on the arm radiating from the thumb and index fingers.
Most of these symptoms start gradually with no specific injury. They can appear and disappear in the early stages before becoming more rampant. The symptoms are common at night as most people sleep with bent wrists. Daytime symptoms are likely to happen after a prolonged holding.
Causes
A variety of factors cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Women are more susceptible to it than men. Older people and those with underlying conditions like diabetes are also at high risk of contracting the disease. The same is to those who work in manufacturing, fishing, poultry, and other hand application-intensive jobs.
Some of the possible causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are:
- Hereditary– The anatomic differences in the various nerves make the condition more susceptible in some specific families.
- Repetitive hand motion–moving your hands repeatedly for a prolonged time can release tendons on the wrist hence swelling.
- Health conditions like diabetes, thyroid gland imbalance, and rheumatoid arthritis likely lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Pregnancy.
Treatment
There are two main carpal tunnel syndrome treatment options: non-surgical and surgery. The non-surgical treatment options are ideal for less severe cases. One can easily return to work after such treatment without interrupting daily activities or productivity.
Some of the non-surgical treatment options include:
- Wearing wrist splints to hold your hands in position, especially at night.
- Treating any underlying conditions like diabetes,s, obesity, or arthritis.
- Medications to reduce inflammation or medication for mild pain.
- Changing your environment reduces possible causes like lowering your chair at the workplace.
If the symptoms persist with these options, the best remedy is to visit a chiropractor. The specialist will observe the spinal cord to ensure its free from nerve pressure, particularly between the arms and wrists. They will then recommend the best ways to manage the condition.
For persistent cases, your doctor might suggest surgical treatment options. However, do not opt for the surgery before visiting the Manhattan Gonstead chiropractor for workable treatment options.
Bottom Line
The carpal tunnel is a painful condition that nobody can stay with for long. While most people look for temporary solutions like lowering arms and taking medications, it will worsen over time. Visit a chiropractor early enough to help with the best ways to treat the condition.