Boca Raton Specific Chiropractic May Help Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

 

According to WebMD:

 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness, tingling, weakness, and other problems in your hand because of pressure on the median nerve in your wrist.

 

The median nerve and several tendons run from your forearm to your hand through a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel . The median nerve controls movement and feeling  in your thumb and first three fingers (not your little finger).

 

Pressure on the median nerve causes carpal tunnel syndrome. This pressure can come from swelling or anything that makes the carpal tunnel smaller. 

 

Specific Chiropractic focuses on identifying the cause. It may help increase your ability to overcome these symptoms by decreasing stress to your nervous system and improving overall function. When stress is removed from your body you may function better without symptoms of pain and discomfort. 

 

Our doctors in Boca Raton may help carpal tunnel and offer relief through their specific approach to health care.

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Definition, Medical Approach, Related Conditions, and Chiropractic Care

1. What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist. This compression leads to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the hand and fingers, particularly affecting the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.

2. Medical Approach to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The medical approach focuses on relieving pressure on the median nerve and reducing symptoms. Common treatments include:

• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and pain.

• Wrist Splints: Wearing splints, especially at night, to keep the wrist in a neutral position and reduce pressure on the nerve.

• Corticosteroid Injections: Injections may be administered to reduce inflammation and swelling around the median nerve.

• Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the wrist and hand muscles, improve range of motion, and reduce nerve irritation.

• Surgery: In severe cases, carpal tunnel release surgery may be performed to cut the ligament pressing on the median nerve, providing relief and preventing long-term damage.

3. Related Conditions from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If left untreated, CTS can lead to or be associated with other conditions, including:

• Chronic Hand Weakness: Persistent compression of the median nerve can result in muscle weakness and atrophy, particularly in the thumb muscles.

• Loss of Grip Strength: Ongoing nerve irritation can affect grip strength and overall hand functionality.

• Nerve Damage: Long-term compression can lead to permanent nerve damage, resulting in chronic numbness or motor impairment.

• Tendonitis: Repetitive strain and improper wrist positioning can cause inflammation of the tendons, leading to tendonitis.

4. How Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Upper cervical chiropractic care, which focuses on aligning the upper cervical spine (C1 and C2 vertebrae), may provide supportive benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome:

• Improving Nerve Function: Misalignments in the cervical spine can cause nerve interference, potentially affecting nerve function in the arms and hands. Correcting these misalignments may reduce nerve stress and improve overall nerve health, including that of the median nerve.

• Reducing Inflammation: Proper alignment of the upper cervical spine supports the body’s ability to manage inflammation, which may help reduce swelling around the median nerve.

• Relieving Musculoskeletal Strain: Upper cervical adjustments may promote proper posture and relieve strain in the shoulders, arms, and wrists, which can positively influence the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Holistic Approach: Upper cervical chiropractors may also offer exercises, ergonomic advice, and lifestyle recommendations to reduce wrist strain and support nerve health.

5. How Can Specific Chiropractic of Boca Raton Help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Specific Chiropractic of Boca Raton, which specializes in upper cervical care, provides a precise and holistic approach that may benefit those with carpal tunnel syndrome:

• Targeted Diagnostic Assessments: Practitioners use advanced tools like thermal imaging and digital X-rays to pinpoint misalignments in the upper cervical spine that may be contributing to nerve dysfunction in the hands and wrists.

• Gentle, Specific Adjustments: By making precise adjustments to the upper cervical spine, they aim to reduce nerve interference and enhance the function of the entire nervous system, including the median nerve affected in CTS.

• Comprehensive Care: In addition to spinal adjustments, the clinic may provide guidance on wrist exercises, posture correction, and ergonomic modifications to support wrist and hand health.

• Ongoing Monitoring: Regular visits ensure the spine remains aligned, and any further adjustments needed to maintain proper nerve function are made, which may help manage and alleviate CTS symptoms over time.

This approach offers a natural, non-invasive option that complements traditional medical care, promoting recovery and long-term nerve health for individuals experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome.