Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition affecting millions of individuals worldwide, particularly those who perform repetitive hand and wrist movements.
Causing pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers, CTS occurs due to the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist formed by bones and ligaments.
Traditional treatment options often include splinting, medication, or surgery, but chiropractic care has emerged as a non-invasive alternative that can provide significant relief for carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers.
In fact, a randomized clinical trial compared conservative medical treatment with chiropractic care for carpal tunnel syndrome and found significant improvement in comfort, function, and nerve sensation for both groups, with no significant difference in effectiveness between the two types of treatments.
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
To appreciate how chiropractic care can improve carpal tunnel syndrome, it is essential first to understand the anatomy and pathophysiology of the condition. The median nerve originates in the brachial plexus and extends down the arm, passing through the carpal tunnel in the wrist before innervating the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. The median nerve controls movement and sensation in the hand, wrist, and forearm.
When the carpal tunnel becomes compressed or narrowed due to inflammation, injury, or repetitive strain, the median nerve is squeezed, leading to symptoms such as pain, paresthesia, and weakness in the hand.
CTS is often seen in individuals who perform repetitive tasks, such as typing, assembly line work, or knitting. Risk factors include prolonged wrist flexion or extension, poor ergonomics, pregnancy (due to fluid retention), and certain medical conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Over time, untreated carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to muscle atrophy, particularly in the thenar eminence (the fleshy area of the thumb on the palm side), and loss of fine motor skills.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is based on the principle that the body can heal itself when the nervous system is functioning optimally. Chiropractors focus on the spine and musculoskeletal system to correct misalignments (subluxations) that may interfere with nerve function.
For individuals looking to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, chiropractic treatment aims to relieve pressure on the median nerve and reduce the inflammation of the carpal tunnel. We do this by addressing local wrist dysfunction and potential issues further up the kinetic chain, such as in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
1. Spinal Adjustments and Postural Corrections
One key approach our chiropractors take when treating CTS is addressing misalignments in the cervical (neck) and thoracic (upper back) spines. Bad posture, particularly a forward head position and rounded shoulders for long periods, can place undue stress on the brachial plexus and median nerve. A misaligned cervical spine may cause neck pain and exacerbate nerve impingement, contributing to the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Chiropractors can correct these misalignments through spinal adjustments, improving nerve function and posture. Restoring proper alignment in the cervical and thoracic spine reduces nerve irritation and improves the overall biomechanics of the upper extremities. This chiropractic approach creates a better environment for the median nerve to function without compression.
2. Wrist and Hand Mobilization
Chiropractors may also perform specific wrist and hand adjustments to address the carpal tunnel. By gently manipulating the small bones in the wrist, such as the lunate or scaphoid, chiropractors can help improve joint mobility and reduce inflammation around the median nerve.
This technique, known as extremity adjustment, focuses on restoring normal movement in the carpal bones and reducing the compression of the nerve within the tunnel. This approach serves not just as a remedy but also a way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from returning.
Wrist mobilization and soft tissue therapy in the carpal tunnel area can relieve pain, and promote healing. Chiropractors may also use techniques such as myofascial release or trigger point therapy to reduce muscle tension in the forearm and hand, which often exacerbates carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
3. Ergonomic and Lifestyle Counseling
In addition to manual therapy, chiropractors offer ergonomic and lifestyle counseling to help patients prevent the recurrence of CTS. Proper ergonomics, particularly for individuals who work at desks or perform repetitive manual tasks, is critical to preventing excessive strain on the wrists and hands.
Chiropractors may recommend adjustments to workstations, such as keyboard placement, wrist support, and proper chair height, to ensure optimal wrist positioning.
Stretching and strengthening exercises for the forearm muscles are another component of chiropractic care for carpal tunnel syndrome. Chiropractors can provide patients with specific exercises to improve flexibility and strength in the wrist and hand, which helps alleviate symptoms and prevents further injury. These exercises may include wrist flexor and extensor stretches, nerve gliding exercises, and resistance training using hand grips or therapy putty.
4. Cold Laser Therapy
Some chiropractors—like Healthsprout--may incorporate adjunctive therapies cold laser therapy to enhance healing. Cold or low-level laser therapy uses light energy to stimulate cellular repair, reduce pain, and decrease swelling.
Next Steps for Treating Carpal Tunnel with Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive, non-invasive approach to treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by addressing the root causes of median nerve compression. Chiropractic treatment can relieve pain and improve nerve function through spinal adjustments, wrist mobilization, ergonomic counseling, and adjunctive therapies.
If you're seeking an alternative to medications or surgery, chiropractic care is a great option that focuses on restoring optimal musculoskeletal health while preventing future complications.
If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, don’t wait. Reach out to the team at Healthsprout to explore chiropractic care options.
Comments