Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?

Carpal tunnel sydrome is the entrapment of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. Increased pressure in the carpal tunnel causes the median nerve to be compressed.

median-nerve.jpg

What are the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

CTS usually begins as numbness and tingling over the thumb, index and ring fingers. Sometimes the hand may "fall asleep", or experience a loss of grip strength or even drop objects. Some people may experience the hand feeling hot or cold.

Pain may travel down the hand or up forearm towards the shoulder. Day time symptoms tend to increase when you have your wrist and hand in the same position for a prolonged period of time. Usually with your wrist bent forward (flexed) or backwords (extended). Alot of people sleep with their wrist bent so night time symptoms are also very common.

Who is more at risk for developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

  • Individuals with occupational/ activites that require alot of repetitive finger, hand or wrist movements are more at risk.

  • Obesity

  • Diabities

  • Hypothyroidism

  • Rheumatoid arthritits

  • Trauma (dislocation, fracture, laceration)

Treatment

  • Relative rest or change in activity. Avoid aggravating activites and prolonged wrist positions.

  • Deep tissue massage in forearm flexor muscles, scalenes and shoulder muscles

  • Daily stretching of neck, shoulder, wrist, hand and fingers muscles

  • Grip exercises

  • Myofascial release

  • Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) over the forearm and transverse carpal ligament

  • Wrist and hand mobilization/ manipulation

  • Electrotherapy (Unltrasound, TENS)

  • Wrist bracing or splinting may be recommended at night

  • Work-site ergonomic evaluation for stressors

  • Surgery (usually a last resort and is not a guaranteed cure, however, may be indicated in chronic cases)

Most mild to moderate cases of carpal tunnel syndrome respond very well to massage, chiropractic treatment and other conservative treatments.

*The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in this post are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad understanding and knowledge of carpal tunnel syndrome. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.