Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: What It Is and What to Do

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Do you have pain in your wrist or hand? It could be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the name for the pain, numbness, tingling, and other symptoms in the wrist or hand resulting from an injury to, or the compression of, the medial nerve in the wrist. As it runs from the forearm into the hand, this nerve passes through a narrow space between the wrist bones (i.e. carpals). This “tunnel” is filled with tendons that can compress the nerve as they swell from injury, overuse, pregnancy or certain diseases.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is most commonly occurs in adults ages 30-60, and more prevalent in women than in men. Certain health conditions — such as diabetes, obesity, pregnancy, and menopause — can increase the chances of developing CTS. Consumption of caffeine, tobacco and alcohol can also increase the risk. It is especially common in jobs that require repetitive movements of the wrist like computer keyboarding, sewing, assembly-lines, house-cleaning, etc. 

Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

• the dominant hand is usually affected first and pain is severe
• the symptoms often appear while sleeping and cause sleep disturbances
• shooting pain can move up from the hand toward the shoulder
• fingers may feel numb, tingly or swollen
• the hand muscles will be weaker
• pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness in the wrist and hand

The American Chiropractic Association recommends the following tips to relieve CTS:

• frequent rest breaks
• splints to help keep wrists straight
• fingerless gloves to keep hands warm and flexible
• maintaining correct posture and wrist position

Nonsurgical Carpal Tunnel Treatment

In the past, patients suffering from CTS have undergone surgery to help relieve the pain. However, after carpal tunnel surgery, you can lose the use of your hand for up to 12 weeks. Surgery patients have also noticed a loss of strength when gripping after the surgery.

Busch Chiropractic in Fort Wayne offers relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome without surgery and downtime. Busch Chiropractic’s nonsurgical treatment of Carpal Tunnel is highly effective —  resulting in improved nerve function, increased finger sensation, and greatly reduced pain. Dr. Busch at Busch Chiropractic believes that no one should live in pain. The individualized care provided by him and his staff will quickly get you on the road to recovery — WITHOUT surgery or pain medications.

Schedule an appointment to learn more about our specialized care and proven pain reduction treatments for Carpal Tunnel.