Chiropractic Story

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome also called repetitive strain syndrome results when a nerve that supplies that hand called the median nerve becomes repeatedly compressed.

Causes:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome happens in a place in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. The bottom of this carpal tunnel is made up of wrist bones and the top is hemmed in by a transverse ligament. Fatigue, tingling and cramping along with stiffness of the hand are among the symptoms. The problem happens because the carpal tunnel is so tightly bound that it has no place to expand if overuse and inflammation occur. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by a diverse set of factors. The strongest risk factor is from a genetic disposition meaning structural and biological are more likley to be the cause rather than operational activity related reasons. Occupationally there is much debate over the relation between carpal tunnel syndrom and repetitive work related motions. People speculate that carpal tunnel is caused by constant grasping and manipulating things but there is no sufficient information to prove such. Many times there are psychosocial reasons for claimed carpal tunnel. Pain is often mislabeled.  

Symptoms:

The resulting pressure begins to crush the median nerve supplying the hand. At first, anti-inflammatory drugs and splints can help. More advanced cases may require surgery. This will involve cutting the tendon although now some new, non-surgical techniques can stretch the tendon giving more room for the nerve itself. If untreated, permanent disability may happen.

Find out more information about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by visiting the National Institute of Health.

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