Your chiropractor is skilled at treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)- a painful condition involving the hand and wrist. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle-wasting in the thumb and index finger. The fingers may also have tendency to feel swollen, although no swelling is present. All of these symptoms are attributed to an irritation of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel.

The carpal tunnel is an opening in the wrist that allows for the passage of nerves, tendons and blood vessels that supply the hand. This opening is formed on one side by the carpal bones of the wrist, plus a connective tissue sheath called the flexor retinaculum on the other side.

Since the carpal tunnel is a physically limited space, any swelling or inflammation within this space will also cause compression of the median nerve. One of the most common causes of this compression is the inflammation of the tendons passing through the carpal tunnel. This irritation is usually associated with repetitive activities involving the small muscles of the hand, such as typing, knitting or sewing.

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The median nerve leave the spinal cord at the lower part of the neck, where it starts out as a series of nerve roots. These roots then unite to form part of the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus the divides into several more specific nerves, at which point the median nerve becomes distinct. Vertebral subluxations can cause irritation and/or inflammation of the nerve roots, as they pass very close to the joints and discs of the neck.

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The median nerve must also travel through or around several muscles on its way to the arm and hand. Specific muscles that can be involved include the scalene muscles of the neck, the pectoral muscles of the chest, and the flexor muscles of the forearm. Tightness or inflammation of any of these muscles may serve as a source of irritation to the nerve. If positions that stretch or tighten these muscles reproduce symptoms, it's likely that this could be contributing to CTS.

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Chiropractors are specifically trained in the art of locating and correcting sources of nerve interference caused by irritation and joint restriction. Orthopedic and neurological tests are used to determine the source of irritation. And chiropractic adjustments are used to restore proper mechanical function of the involved joints- including the wrist, elbow or cervical spine.

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When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome, prevention of the problem is always recommended, however, we can lend a helping hand!!