Chiropractic for Carpal Tunnel

By Donna Stark

When I was a teenager, my mother needed surgery for her carpal tunnel syndrome. She worked at the local newspaper and spent the majority of her days typing on the keyboard. Back then, there was little discussion about ergonomics in the workplace so when her hands started to hurt, the only thing she did was to come home in the evening and have my dad rub them. Sure, it was a very loving action on his part, but since she still ended up needing surgery, it obviously wasn't very effective with healing her. 

Do you use a computer at work or at home? If you do, you may be particularly vulnerable to carpal tunnel syndrome. And if you don't stay on top it from the get-go, you may end up like my mom ... having surgery and needing those around you to help you get dressed in the morning. So instead, be proactive! Protect yourself and reduce your risk by seeing your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common problem that affects the hands and the wrists. It occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the wrist. Want to know what causes it? Take a look.

• Repetitive motions - Motions of the hand and wrist that you do over and over again, such as typing
• Health conditions - Conditions such as pregnancy, hypothyroidism, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes

Symptoms to Look For

Carpal tunnel syndrome can become quite debilitating, affecting the wrist, hand, and fingers. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms so it doesn't have a chance to get any worse.

• Burning
• Itching  
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Pain
• Weakness

Chiropractic Care for Carpal Tunnel

How can chiropractic care help? If your spine is not in its proper alignment, your carpal tunnel may be exacerbated. Joints that are not functioning in the correct way can literally choke or irritate the nerves nearby. The adjustments that your local chiropractor performs to your spine and extremities helps with the mobility of these joints and reduces disruption to your body's communications with the nervous system. Chiropractic adjustments can also improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and speed the healing process. 

If you are starting to experience symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, it may be time to head on in for a hassle-free visit at The Joint Chiropractic. With more than 425 locations nationwide, convenient hours, and no appointment or referral needed, it couldn't be any easier. Had my mom known about chiropractic care and the conservative approach it provides, she may have been able to avoid her surgery since the earlier you are diagnosed, the more successful the treatments will be. Don't be like my mom. Take steps now to protect yourself and reduce your risk of permanent nerve damage once and for all.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bellevue, Wash.