Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness, tingling, pain, and/or weakness of the wrist and thumb, index and middle finger as well as the side of the ring finger.  According to the American College of Rheumatology, it is the most common nerve disorder, affecting anywhere from four to 10 million Americans. The good news is that carpal tunnel syndrome is very treatable. Our next series of articles will discuss various types of treatments a chiropractor can utilize to help alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Examination

We first start with a complete examination to determine if your pain is related to carpal tunnel syndrome or something else. If you have pain that affects your thumb, index, and middle finger, it is likely that your median nerve is compressed.  Median nerve compression causes carpal tunnel syndrome. If your pain only extends to your pinky finger, then it is likely caused by a compressed ulnar nerve.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Improper alignment can wreak havoc on the body and can be a culprit of carpal tunnel pain. Chiropractic adjustments of the upper spine, neck, shoulder, wrist and arm can help alleviate pressure on the median nerve. 

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can help reduce tension on the median nerve. Rarely is carpal tunnel syndrome isolated to a problem solely in the hand or wrist. Issues in the neck and shoulders can also contribute to carpal tunnel pain.  Massage therapy can release tension in the arm, shoulders, hand, and neck to alleviate carpal tunnel symptoms.

Our next article will cover three more chiropractic treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Riverbend Chiropractic is a premier pain relief center located in Destrehan, LA.  Dr. Adam W. Roussel, DC, MOT, CCEP, NASM-CES is a chiropractor who leads a team of qualified specialists who deliver a variety of services and treatments including chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, cupping, dry needling, spinal disc decompression (to alleviate spinal disc compression), and more. Give us a call to schedule an appointment today!