Eight
tiny bones in the writs form a tunnel for three nerves and various
blood vessels to pass from the arm into the hand. This tunnel is called
the carpal tunnel. Irritation to the ligaments and bones that comprise
this structure can result in the common malady known as carpal tunnel
syndrome.
The pain, numbness, and
tingling associated
with Carpal tunnel syndrome are caused from irritation to the median
nerve, which runs through the center of the wrist. This nerve supplies
feeling and motor function (the ability to move your fingers) to the
first three fingers of the hand. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and
tingling and usually occur at night or in the early hours of the
morning.
Women are affected with
this problem more
than men. This may have to due with hormonal factors that affect fluid
retention in the body. In general, any build up of fluid in the tissue
can further compress the area within the carpal tunnel.
The
position of the hand and wrist can ease or worsen the symptoms of
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Temporary relief from symptoms is often
obtained by shaking the affected hand in the air, elevating the wrist,
or placing the hand in hot water. Placing the wrist in an extended or
flexed position, especially for a prolonged period of time, aggravates
the symptoms and the condition.
Since
decreasing
blood flow to the area increases symptoms, it is believed that the
median nerve irritation is a result of poor blood supply through the
tunnel to the nerve. There may also be a slight amount of
hand
discoloration, due to this suspected circulatory deficiency.
Although
part of the thumb may be involved, the general area of involvement is
felt in the index and middle finger. There may be slight difficulty or
clumsiness associated with this condition. This is due to the lack of
proper nerve function. Grip strength is usually only slightly
decreased; however, patients who have this condition regularly report
periods of weakness and may have problems with dropping things.
If
you think you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, your Doctor of
Chiropractic can help diagnose this condition. A careful examination
and history can help your chiropractor outline a corrective or
palliative (way of controlling and decreasing the symptoms) course of
treatment for you to follow.
Chiropractic
therapies
that help this condition are manipulation of the wrist bones to improve
circulation through the tunnel, proper stretching, conditioning,
bracing (thumb-loop night brace), therapeutic, and nutritional measures
(Extra B6, bromelain, etc.). It is important to follow the advice of
your doctor, as this condition is not easily helped by exercise.
Ultrasound also demonstrates disappointing results, as the swelling
inside the tunnel is shielded by the wrist bones that make up the
tunnel. Use of hot and cold hand soaks my therefore be recommended
instead of ultrasound therapy to help treat this condition.