Are your hands and wrists weak? Maybe you constantly feel numbness, pain, or a pins-and-needles sensation?

If you said yes to either question, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common form of entrapment neuropathy. With carpal tunnel syndrome, more pressure is placed on the median nerve, causing a tingling and numbing sensation.

If you suspect you have this condition, you shouldn’t delay carpal tunnel treatment. That’s because the condition can worsen, causing permanent nerve damage. Fortunately, surgery isn’t always required. Here are some alternatives to carpal tunnel surgery.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

You’re likely familiar with NSAIDs. These are common over-the-counter pain and inflammation medications, such as ibuprofen. They only offer short-term relief and don’t treat the condition. However, they can still decrease the pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

Keep in mind that daily NSAID use isn’t recommended. Chronic NSAID use increases the risk of acute renal failure, peptic ulcer disease, and even a stroke. Only take NSAIDs occasionally, such as when you experience terrible pain. If you’re experiencing pain daily, you’ll want to try some of these other treatments.

Wrist Splints

A splint is a supportive device that holds your wrist while you’re sleeping. This can relieve any numbness and tingling, both at night and during the day. Many patients prefer splint treatments since they don’t require any medication or surgery. While your doctor is the only one who can prescribe medical equipment, you can also buy OTC wrist splints.

Wrist splints help to relieve the pressure on the median nerve and work best in mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Wrist Exercises and Stretches

There are several carpal tunnel exercises that can relieve pain. The exercises that help out most patients include flex and extend, shake it out, and various stretches.

Flex and extend: Hold your arm out in front of you with your palm and wrist facing downward. Bend your wrist down so your fingers point toward the floor. With your opposite hand, bend your fingers toward your body. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Then, turn your wrist upward so your fingers point to the ceiling. With your opposite hand, bend your fingers back toward your body. Hold for another 30 seconds and repeat using the opposite wrist.

Shake it out: Shake your hands and wrists, as if they’re wet and you’re trying to dry them. Do this once an hour, ideally for two minutes at a time.

Fist stretch: There are several carpal tunnel stretches, but the fist is the easiest stretch. Make a fist, then stretch your fingers out. Repeat up to 10 times. You can do this multiple times a day, whenever needed.

As with any exercise routine, always consult your doctor before performing the exercise to avoid further damage.

Try Bush Stem Cell Simulation Protocol as a Carpal Tunnel Treatment

Bush Stem Cell Simulation Protocol is a popular alternative to surgery, pain medication, and injections. This innovative carpal tunnel treatment includes multiple therapies such as focused wave therapy, chiropractic care, noninvasive neurological therapies, cold laser therapy, low-level light therapy, nutrition, and more to relieve carpal tunnel pain and pressure on the median nerve.

The Bush Stem Cell Simulation Protocol is a popular and effective alternative treatment. If you’re looking for a safe, effective, non-surgical carpal tunnel treatment in Fort Wayne, contact Busch Chiropractic today at (260) 471-4090.