What You Need to Know About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Most people these days spend an exorbitant amount of time on the computer and/or cell phone. This extended time period on keyboards, of whatever kind, often comes at a cost -- particularly when people are using improper biomechanics. One of the most frequent issues is wrist pain. Many people jump right to thinking they have carpal tunnel syndrome. This is not necessarily so, but what should you do if you find yourself with an aching wrist?

Is It Really A Wrist Problem?

The first part in the process of addressing wrist pain is to actually have it assessed properly by the appropriate health professional. In fact, many people experiencing wrist pain are actually having neck or elbow dysfunction that is causing the pain in the wrist. When the issue is not properly assessed, care won’t be successful or will likely be only temporary. While the patient still suffers in this situation, logically the practitioner goes to more progressively invasive options like surgery and that, too, can be unsuccessful in correcting the issue or providing relief because the initial assessment was off.

So, It’s Your Wrist

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an issue within the wrist joint itself. It is often caused by using the joint for extended periods of time in which the structure isn’t properly supported, otherwise known as poor biomechanics.

As a result of the poor biomechanics, the median nerve that runs down the forearm and into the hand becomes compressed within a narrow tunnel in the wrist joint, which is comprised of bones, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. Because this tunnel narrows and the nerve and associated structures are compressed, the individual starts having symptoms.

Common symptoms include numbness, tingling and weakness into the hand, specifically directly under the thumb, and the thumb itself. More severe cases can feel as if the grip is entirely weak and almost useless.

First Stop: Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors deal with every joint of the body. They have proper assessment tools that give them extraordinary experience in deciphering from which joint the issue is originating. They are doctors who understand the importance of a properly functioning nervous system who specialize in the movement of joints in order to promote the health of the nervous system; as a result, the joint health improves and joint problems can be relieved. A chiropractor’s main skill is the most conservative treatment of all, spinal adjustments and joint manipulations. This includes the wrist joint.

In addition to first assessing the true issue -- and manipulating the wrist joint should that be the cause -- chiropractors can teach you the proper biomechanics to support your body for proper computer and cell phone usage. Not only can this decrease pain and suffering, but likely increase your level of productivity.

There is no need to live with unnecessary pain in your day-to-day life. Come see us at The Joint Chiropractic. Let us help you help yourself!