Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Chiropractic Care

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury affecting the median nerve, a major nerve originating in the neck that extends the length of the arm through the wrist (carpal) bones. Responsible for innervating multiple arm muscles, the median nerve suffers inflammation when carpal tunnel bones continually press against the nerve due to repetitive motions. Swollen tendons within the carpal tunnel place excessive pressure on the median nerve, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and fingers.

Non-Chiropractic Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Splinting to immobilize the wrist, taking ibuprofen or receiving injections of corticosteroids are the traditional treatments family physicians prescribe for patients with CTS. Some doctors may suggest undergoing surgery to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome pain, which involves cutting tissues encircling the wrists to reduce compression of the median nerve. However, surgery for CTS carries risks ranging from nerve damage and infection to loss of strength in the wrist. In addition, pain medication and steroids only mask the pain--they do nothing to sufficiently address or correct the root of the problem. 

Chiropractic Care for Carpal Tunnel Relief

For patients suffering carpal tunnel syndrome, Dr. Ringer offers the following chiropractic treatments:

Manipulation of the upper spine, arm and wrist – Misaligned spinal vertebrae can contribute to worsening of CTS symptoms by irritating nerves associated with the median nerve. Dr. Ringer may also perform adjustments on the fingers, wrist and hand if necessary.

Ultrasound therapy – The chiropractic use of an ultrasound device involves Dr. Ringer penetrating inflamed tissues with sound waves emitted by a handheld device. These sound waves exist within a range inaudible to humans but exact therapeutic heat and anti-inflammatory properties on distressed tissues. 

CTS-specific exercises – Dr. Ringer may recommend performing special wrist and hand exercises intended to relieve pressure on the median nerve and to help promote healing of inflamed tissues.

If you think you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, call our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ringer.