Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome
The
most common place that the nerves of the upper limbs can
get pinched or irritated is at the wrist. This type of
nerve problem is called carpal tunnel syndrome because
the nerve passes through a tunnel between the wrist
(carpal) bones and the ligaments that go across the
wrist bones where the creases of the wrist are. Sudden
trauma to the wrist or working with your hands for long
hours on a daily basis can lead to irritation of the
nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel.
The
medical doctor gives most people with symptoms of carpal
tunnel syndrome such as numbness, tingling or pain, in
the thumb, index or middle finger, medication and a
wrist brace. The symptoms might feel better with the
brace on or by covering them up with drugs. This,
however, is a form of “passive treatment” that does not
address the cause of the problem. If the cause of the
condition is not recognized and corrected early, the
condition is more likely to worsen and possibly end up
as a surgical case.
A
commonly overlooked cause of these symptoms is a nerve
problem that comes from the spine near the base of the
neck. Subluxation of this area occurs when spinal
misalignments and movement restrictions occur that
interfere with the nerves that lead to the wrist and
hand.
Early
“active” mobilization and adjustment of structural
problems of the wrist and/or spine can often lead to
improvement in these cases without the use of drugs or
surgery. Chiropractic care seeks to correct the cause
of the condition rather than just covering up the
symptoms and hoping it goes away on its own. The body
will usually heel the condition if the cause of the
irritation is removed.
If you
have any questions regarding this condition, or if you
need help in setting up your computer work station,
please let me know. I also am available for ergonomic
consulting in the work place.
Yours
in health,
Lynne
Sullivan D.C.
www.drsully.com
Ps: If
you would like to learn more, I am doing a free seminar
on this issue Monday June 18th, 6pm here at
the office. Seating is limited, please call (925)
484-1070 to reserve your spot.
