subject: Chiropractic Doctors and Carpal Tunnel? [print this page] Chiropractic Doctors and Carpal Tunnel? Chiropractic Doctors and Carpal Tunnel?
Repetitive stress and motion of the wrist and hand is believed to be a cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Have your spine out of alignment can contribute to the discomfort as well. By having a good physical exam and potentially some x-rays done by your chiropractor, an accurate diagnosis can be obtained. Chiropractic and carpal tunnel treatment provided by the doctor of chiropractic includes not only spinal manipulation, but also work on the wrist and elbow. By applying controlled pressure to the affected part of the body, some relief will be obtained. Along with manipulation, your chiropractor may also recommend cold packs at set intervals to relieve inflammation and consequently the pain associated with the stress injury.Chiropractic and carpal tunnel treatment will include manipulation of the wrist, upper spine, elbow , all of which can exacerbate the discomfort from the injury. By using primarily their hands, the chiropractor will apply the necessary pressure to the affected area. Occasionally other devices may be employed as part of the treatment.New ultrasound devices can also be used. The sound created by the ultrasound permeates the tissue and will help relax the muscles, ease the pain and cause a reduction of inflammation. By using wrist supports, the wrist can be kept in proper alignment as well. They can also help prevent worsening of the condition once it begins.The noninvasive treatment of the chiropractor is far safer than surgery for the patient and often as effective. Chiropractic and carpal tunnel treatment is actually less expensive and has a good success rate. By considering the health of the patient and their age, you can surmise the potential result of the treatment. Success will also depend on how far the injury has been allowed to progress. Chiropractic treatment can help with the repetitive stress injuries, but your chiropractor should be consulted early on rather than wait until it is a debilitating condition.Carpal tunnel syndrome got its name from the carpals, wrist bones, forming a tunnel that connects the forearm with the hand. A large nerve called the medial nerve passes through that "tunnel" from the forearm to the hand. Repeated stress or injury to those bones, joints and the nerve cause the syndrome. Either wrist can be affected. Most often, the person's predominant hand will be the one that has the pain. Symptoms include pain radiating up the arm, numbness in some of the fingers, hands and a substantial tingling in the hand. This can be accompanied by weakness in the hand and a definite decrease in mobility.Chiropractic and carpal tunnel treatment go hand in hand. Most people will contact the chiropractor rather than endure the invasive surgical procedures that are available. Relief will come with no long-term recuperative period and function may well be less limited than the numbness of the surgery.
