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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome

What's this?

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the carpal tunnel which is a small narrow tunnel located at the wrist.

Some carpal bones and the transverse carpal ligament delimit the tunnel.

The median nerve travels from the forearm to the hand through this tunnel.

This nerve controls the sensation of the palmar surface of the first 3 fingers and the muscles at the base of the thumb.

The tendons of the finger flexors also pass through this tunnel.

When the tissues around the flexor tendons become irritated and swollen, it can cause pressure on the median nerve, resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve can also be irritated or compressed by certain muscles as it passes through the arm, particularly the pronator muscle.

Discover our therapeutic approach to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Symptoms

Numbness, tingling and pain in the hand (median nerve territory)

Sensation of electric shock in the first 3 fingers (from the thumb)

Strange sensation that can radiate into the arm and shoulder

The symptoms are very frequent at night!

The causes

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and certain thyroid disorders.

Overuse of the hand and forearm causing soft tissue adhesions (muscles, ligaments) compressing the median nerve.

Hormonal changes (ex: pregnancy)

The carpal tunnel may be anatomically smaller in a hereditary way.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common problem

The Chiropractic approach and treatments

for carpal tunnel syndrome

Following the diagnosis, modifications to the activities associated with the condition.

Stretching and rehabilitation exercises.

Active Release Techniques (ART) or Graston treatment to break down adhesions in structures that can compress the median nerve.

Neurocryotherapy treatment to reduce inflammation and swelling in the carpal tunnel.

Use of a night brace to keep the wrist in a neutral position.

Use of NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory) and cortisone injections as needed.

Decompression surgery may be necessary in some cases refractory to conservative treatment.

Source: Association des chiropraticiens du Québec

Prognosis

carpal tunnel syndrome

In many cases, the conservative approach will allow the condition to heal in a few weeks or months.

In severe cases, even after surgery, symptoms may recur and a second surgery may be necessary.

WARNING !

If you experience these symptoms see your chiropractor.