How a Chiropractor Can Help Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a relatively common condition that can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. While many people try to treat carpal tunnel syndrome on their own, chiropractic care may be better. This blog post will discuss how a chiropractor can help treat carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that results from compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow, enclosed space formed by bones and ligaments in the hand. The median nerve provides feeling and movement to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. When this nerve is compressed, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand. CTS is a common disorder that affects millions of people each year. It can occur in any age group but is most common in adults aged 30-50 years old.

Women are more likely to develop CTS than men. Symptoms of CTS can vary from mild to severe and can come and go. In some cases, the symptoms may go away on their own. However, if the symptoms are severe or persist, treatment may be necessary.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

The most common symptom of CTS is numbness or tingling in the hands and fingers. This may be worse at night and can wake you up from sleep. Other symptoms include:

Pain in the hand, wrist, or forearm
Weakness in the hand or fingers
Difficulty gripping objects
A feeling of pins and needles in the hand

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor or chiropractor for an evaluation. CTS is diagnosed through a physical examination and nerve testing. X-rays may also be taken to rule out other conditions.

Chiropractic Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Chiropractic care is a safe, effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Chiropractors are trained to identify and treat conditions that involve the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. They use a variety of techniques to reduce pain and improve function.

The goal of chiropractic care is to relieve the pressure on the median nerve and improve symptoms. Treatment may involve spinal adjustments, mobilization, massage, and other therapies. Chiropractors may also recommend exercises or stretch to improve flexibility and reduce inflammation.

Chiropractic care is often used as a first-line treatment for CTS. In most cases, it is effective in reducing symptoms and improving function. Surgery is only recommended in severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatment.

Massage

Massage is one of the most popular treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome. Massage can help to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the area. It can also help to relieve muscle tension and pain.

Exercise

Exercise is an important part of treatment for CTS. Exercise can help to strengthen the muscles and improve the range of motion. It can also help to reduce inflammation.

There are a variety of exercises that can be beneficial for people with CTS. These include:

Wrist stretch: This exercise is used to strengthen the muscles in the forearm. Extend your arm in front of you with your palm facing down. Gently flex your wrist and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat three times.
Wrist curls: Sit or stand with your arm at your side, elbow bent to 90 degrees. Hold a weight in your hand with your palm facing up. Curl your wrist and hand up towards your shoulder. Hold for 3 seconds. Repeat ten times.
Finger stretches: This exercise helps to improve flexibility in the fingers. Extend your arm in front of you with your palm facing down. Bend your fingers at the knuckles and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat three times.
Thumb stretch: Extend your arm in front of you with your palm facing down. Bend your thumb at the joint and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat three times.
Isometric exercises: These exercises help to strengthen the muscles and improve blood flow. Sit or stand with your arm at your side and your elbow bent to 90 degrees. Make a fist with your hand and squeeze as hard as you can. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat ten times.

Adjustments

Adjustments are a common treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Adjustments can help to reduce the pressure on the median nerve and improve symptoms. A chiropractor will use their hands to apply pressure to the joints in the wrist and hand.

Mobilization

Mobilization is a type of therapy that uses gentle movements to improve the range of motion. Your chiropractor may use mobilization to help reduce the symptoms of CTS.

Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment for CTS

There are many benefits to hiring a chiropractor for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Here are some of the most notable benefits:

Relief from symptoms: The main goal of chiropractic care is to provide relief from the symptoms of CTS. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to reduce pain and improve function. In most cases, chiropractic care effectively reduces symptoms and improves function.

Improved range of motion: Chiropractic care can also help to improve the range of motion. This is important for people with CTS because it can help to reduce the risk of further injury.

Improved blood flow: Another benefit of chiropractic care is improved blood flow. This is important because it can help to reduce inflammation and improve healing.

Reduced risk of surgery: In some cases, chiropractic care can help avoid the need for surgery. Surgery is only recommended in severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatment.

Speeding up the recovery process: This is a sign that your hands are being affected by carpal tunnel syndrome. A chiropractor may be able to help speed up your recovery process. By realigning the bones and tissues in your wrist, a chiropractor can help alleviate pressure on the nerve that’s causing your symptoms.

Prevention of further damage to the nerves: Millions of Americans suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome; chiropractic care has been shown to be an effective way to prevent further damage to the nerves and help restore function and mobility to those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Improved quality of life: Chiropractic care can also help to improve the quality of life. This is because it can help to reduce pain and improve function. Chiropractic care can also help to prevent further injuries.

Are there any risks associated with chiropractic care for treating carpal tunnel syndrome?

Chiropractic care is generally safe and effective. However, there are a few risks associated with any treatment. These risks include:

Pain: Some people may experience pain after a chiropractic adjustment. This pain is usually mild and goes away on its own.
Swelling: Swelling is also a common side effect of chiropractic care. This swelling is usually mild and goes away on its own.
Bruising: Bruising is also a common side effect of chiropractic care. This bruising is usually mild and goes away on its own.

If you have any concerns about the risks associated with chiropractic care, talk to your chiropractor.

What Can I Do to Reduce the Risk of Developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

5 Tips to Reduce the Risk of Developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Type softly. Don’t use more force than needed when typing. Instead, try to hit the keys softly.
Take frequent breaks to stretch your wrists. Stretch, rotate, and bend your hands and wrists during repetitive activities.
Make changes to your workspace, take a good look at where and how you work to see whether there are any ways you can make your typing better. Move your mouse, operate machinery—all of which can affect the nerves in your wrists, fingers, and hands.
Manage chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and hypothyroidism.
Avoid sports or hobbies that put pressure on your carpal tunnel area.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, please reach out to a chiropractor for help. A chiropractor can provide you with a tailored treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Best Chiropractor in Richmond Hill, Ontario

Richmond Hill Chiropractor is the best place to go for help with carpal tunnel syndrome. We have a team of experienced and professional chiropractors who can provide you with the care you need to get relief from your symptoms. Contact us today to book an appointment.