Carpal tunnel syndrome starts when the Median Nerve gets pinched in the wrist. Pain signals originate in the brain, and then travel down the neck region. They then move down the arm, and manifest in the wrist. In the wrist is a tunnel that allows the nerves to travel through. This tunnel narrows, and impinges upon tendons, ligaments, and the median nerve.
C.T.S. has many causes, and inflammation of the soft tissue is very common. This will crowd the tunnel, and interfere with nerve transmissions. Inflammation in the neck region can also cause C.T.S. The median nerve controls the thumb and fingers, all except the pinky finger. Pain, weakness, and numbness are common complaints in the wrist.
Aspirin, and ibuprofen are commonly used to help decrease the symptoms. Surgery is also recommended in some cases. Chiropractors have good success treating C.T.S. They perform an exam consisting of Orthopedic, neurological tests, followed by x-rays. Treatment consists of therapy, realingment of the bones, exercise, nutritional supplementation, and bracing of the injured areas. Most case are resolved in 3-6 weeks.
Dr. Bob Moulas
A great post. I researched and wrote an in-depth guide to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that can be found here: http://CarpalTunnelSyndrome.tk
ReplyDeleteThis was after a hard time trying to figure out what was affecting my partner during her pregnancy period.