Straining and overuse of the hand and wrist can result in a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome, (wrist pain).  People who suffer from this condition experienced numbness, tingling, and pain in the wrist and hand.

Carpal tunnel syndrome has a number of causes.  The direct cause occurs with people who flex their wrist repeatedly during work or exercise.  However, the major indirect cause is usually weakness of the ligaments in the arm and wrist, the result of nerve pressure.  A fracture or fall on the hand can also cause this syndrome.  It may also be associated with rheumatoid arthritis or ganglia -- an enlargement of the tissue of the back of the hand, much like a cyst.

Your pain, tingling, and/or numbness of the carpal tunnel syndrome increases when you flex your wrist.  The pain lessons when the wrist is extended.  A weakness in the palm may occur due to the wasting of the thumb muscles.  Displacement of the joints in the elbow, shoulder, and neck usually accompany this condition.  To confirm the diagnosis, we will use a variety of tests including muscle testing and x-rays.  A simple self test can also be done by you or your doctor: hold your thumb and little finger together while someone tries to pull them apart.  Is the fingers seem weak, lightly squeezing the wrist will give temporary strength to the two fingers.  This weakness will help confirm a positive diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Fortunately, this condition is fairly easy to treat chiropractically.  In a few short weeks, with our gentle adjustments, we will relieve much of the pain of carpal tunnel.

Authorities have demonstrated there is a direct connection between arm and wrist pain, and the nerves that emit from the neck.  Pressure upon these "neck" nerves caused by displacements known as subluxations, make it easier for the arm and wrist to be injured , even with the absence of neck pain.  The less nerve pressure present in the neck, the shorter your healing time will be.

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Last modified: 09/27/06