(Newswire.net — May 15, 2023) — It seems as if everyone knows someone with carpal tunnel syndrome. And if you don’t, chances are you may be the one suffering from it. For those employed in jobs that require a lot of repetitive wrist or finger movements, carpal tunnel syndrome can be one of the unfortunate side effects of doing your job. This painful condition can also affect those who use vibrating equipment for long hours while on the job.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed. This nerve travels down the arm, through the wrist, and ends in the hand. It controls the movement and feeling in the thumb and fingers, excluding the pinky. Although long associated with office workers and assembly line employees, it can affect anyone.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
There are several things you can do to help or deduce or eliminate the pain or discomfort this condition brings. Some you can do yourself, while others will require carpal tunnel syndrome treatment from a professional. Before we discuss what can be done to treat CTS, let’s highlight what are some of its warning signs.
- Numbness in fingertips
- Tingling or burning sensation in fingers or palm
- Tingling or pain originating in the fingers or palm that runs up your arm
- Hand weakness or trouble holding or grasping an object
The National Library of Medicine reports that 1 to 3 out of 1000 people in the United States have carpal tunnel syndrome. If you’re one of them, fortunately, several treatment avenues are available.
Best Ways To Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you believe you’re in the beginning stages of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, there are several things that you can do to reduce the symptoms of this painful and sometimes debilitating condition. First and foremost, you should meet with a healthcare professional who can properly diagnose and assess the condition.
Limit Repetitive Tasks
If possible, limit the repetitive hand, finger, or wrist movements that are causing pain or numbness. You most likely are well aware of the hand, wrist, and arm positions causing you the most problems. If you can limit these movements, it could bring some relief. If this isn’t possible due to your job responsibilities, ensure that you take periodic breaks to rest your body.
Wear a Splint
Speak to your local pharmacist or sports health authority about purchasing a wrist splint or wrist braces. These devices will help to keep your wrists properly aligned. Keeping your wrists in their proper alignment can help to reduce the pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medication
You can take NSAIDs like Advil and Motrin IB to relieve pain and stiffness. However, these over-the-counter medications won’t cure carpal tunnel syndrome, but they can help to make the symptoms more tolerable.
Seek Chiropractic Help
Consulting with a chiropractor who has experience eliminating the pain and discomfort caused by CTS is the best treatment. Left unchecked, the only appropriate treatment could be risky invasive surgery.
- Adjustments – A licensed chiropractor can manipulate the upper spine, neck, arm, and wrist and make adjustments to ensure everything is properly aligned. Poor posture or an improperly aligned upper spine could cause CTS pain and discomfort.
- Ultrasound therapy – Chiropractic ultrasound therapy can help relieve carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms by reducing inflammation, relaxing muscles, and ultimately relieving pain.
- Massage therapy – Gentle manipulation of the fingers, wrist, and arm can help to relax muscles and helps to reduce numbness and stiffness. By providing a myocardial release through massage, the tendons in the wrist relax. This usually helps to release compression on the median nerve.
- Electronic muscle stimulation – Better known as E-Stim therapy, this unique method to reduce pain and inflammation is promising. Many patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome report better quality of life when adding E-Stim therapy to their other chiropractic treatments.
Consider an Ergonomic Workstation
An ergonomic workstation is a good choice to prevent or alleviate carpal tunnel syndrome because it can help reduce the amount of stress and strain placed on the hands, wrists, and arms during work activities. In addition, ergonomic chairs and desks can be adjusted to ensure that the workstation is at the correct height and angle to minimize the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment: Final Thoughts
Repetitive hand movements over long periods of time can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. This sometimes painful and debilitating condition affects many people worldwide. To avoid invasive surgery, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional when CTS symptoms begin.
Taking breaks from repetitive hand movements or operating equipment that vibrates can help eliminate or slow down the onset of CTS and provide temporary relief. Anti-inflammatory medications can also sometimes help to relieve pain. Wearing wrist splints can help to keep wrists properly aligned.
If your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are getting worse, consult with a chiropractor. Through neck, arm, and wrist adjustment and manipulation, they can help to provide relief. They can also use massage and stretching exercises to help to alleviate symptoms.