Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common nerve disorders people struggle with today—affecting anywhere from 4 to 10 million Americans. Evidence indicates that approximately 3 percent of women and 2 percent of men will be told that they have carpal tunnel syndrome at some point in their lifetime, women older than 55 are affected more than men.

Workers who use their hands and wrists repetitively are especially at risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in their dominant hand, specifically those who work in cold temperatures and have other factors or medical conditions that make them vulnerable.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve inside your wrist is compressed. The median nerve travels from your forearm through the entryway in your wrist, known as the carpal tunnel, all the way to your hand. This median nerve gives sensation to the palm side of your thumb and fingers, except your little finger. The median nerve also provides nerve signals to shift the muscles around the base of your thumb (motor function).

Anything that crowds, causes irritation, or presses onto the median nerve in the carpal tunnel region can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. In many cases, no single cause can be determined because so many different combinations are potentially contributing to the carpal tunnel syndrome.

Some of the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Driving
• Assembly line work
• Painting
• Sewing
• Writing/typing on the computer
• Use of tools (especially hand tools or tools that vibrate).
• Sports activities
• Playing specific musical instruments.
• Working with hands consistently, operating machinery, computer joysticks, factory workers in
• assembly jobs, manual laborers

What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome typically starts slowly, with numbness or tingling in your thumb, index and middle fingers that comes and goes. A lot of people also experience discomfort in the wrist and hand. Common carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms may include:

• Numbness or pain in the hand, forearm or wrist
• Occasional tingling, numbness, "pins-and-needles" sensation, or pain. The feeling is similar to the feeling you experience when your hand "falls asleep."
• Numbness or pain that gets worse while using the hand or wrist. This feeling is amplified when you grip an object or bend (flex) the wrist.
• Moderate, occasional aching pain in the forearm between the elbow and wrist.
• Stiffness in fingers first thing in the morning

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome most often occur in different regions of the hand, and are typically experienced in both hands (but worse in one hand). A lot of people tend to notice their symptoms late at night. They may be able to fall asleep but are awakened because of the pain.

Many people "shake out" their hands to try to relieve their symptoms. As the disorder progresses, the numb feeling may become constant.

How Chiropractic Treatments at Nokomis Chiropractic and WellnessWorks

Chiropractic care has been proven as one of the best natural carpal tunnel treatment options. Chiropractic care is safe, non-invasive and provides outstanding results. At Nokomis Chiropractic, we use a combination of joint manipulation techniques paired with exercise and massage therapy for optimal results and a quick recovery.

The best part of treating carpal tunnel syndrome with chiropractic care is that you may be able to avoid harmful medications or surgery. Surgery does not always work or provide long term relief. It should be viewed as a last resort.

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If you have any questions about carpal tunnel syndrome, call Nokomis Chiropractic and Wellnesstoday at 612-822-0149!