Every year, there are thousands of people diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. They experience symptoms such as tingling, numbness, burning, and pain in parts of the hands and wrists. In some cases, they even have a decreased ability to grasp things properly. Surgery and anesthesia are common medical approaches prescribed when treating carpal tunnel syndrome. This approach is not only expensive and risky to overall health, but surgical approaches for carpal tunnel syndrome generally focus on just one part of the disorder, the median nerve. With the “carpal tunnel release” surgery, the goal is to take pressure off the irritated median nerve. However, it is fairly common for carpal tunnel syndrome cases to have the symptoms return within as little as 2 years after surgery.

This is the case with the most common treatment called “carpal tunnel release”. Furthermore, there is evidence that shows patients who have recurring symptoms and get a second surgery have up to a 95% chance of having no relief in symptoms.

(Karthik K, Nanda R, Stothard J. Recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome--analysis of the impact of patient personality in altering functional outcome following a vascularised hypothenar fat pad flap surgery. J Hand Microsurg. 2012 Jun;4(1):1-6. doi: 10.1007/s12593-011-0051-x. Epub 2011 Aug 13. PMID: 23730080; PMCID: PMC3371121.)

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is A numbness and tingling in the hand and arm caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist. Severe cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can cause dysfunction in the mobility and dexterity of the hands, which can limit the ability to text or type.

“Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve.

The median nerve runs from the forearm through a passageway in the wrist (carpal tunnel) to the hand. It provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb and fingers, except for the little finger. It also provides nerve signals to move the muscles around the base of the thumb (motor function).

Anything that squeezes or irritates the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. A wrist fracture can narrow the carpal tunnel and irritate the nerve, as can the swelling and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Many times, there is no single cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. It may be that a combination of risk factors contributes to the development of the condition. “ - mayoclinic.org

Risk Factors of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Anatomic factors. A wrist fracture or dislocation, or arthritis that deforms the small bones in the wrist, can alter the space within the carpal tunnel and put pressure on the median nerve.

People who have smaller carpal tunnels may be more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Sex. Carpal tunnel syndrome is generally more common in women. This may be because the carpal tunnel area is relatively smaller in women than in men.

  Women who have carpal tunnel syndrome may also have smaller carpal tunnels than women who don't have the condition.

• Nerve-damaging conditions. Some chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, increase the risk of nerve damage, including damage to the median nerve.

• Inflammatory conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions that have an inflammatory component can affect the lining around the tendons in the wrist and put pressure on the median nerve.

• Medications. Some studies have shown a link between carpal tunnel syndrome and the use of anastrozole (Arimidex), a drug used to treat breast cancer.

• Obesity. Being obese is a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Body fluid changes. Fluid retention may increase the pressure within the carpal tunnel, irritating the median nerve. This is common during pregnancy and menopause. Carpal tunnel syndrome associated with pregnancy generally gets better on its own after pregnancy.

• Other medical conditions. Certain conditions, such as menopause, thyroid disorders, kidney failure, and lymphedema, may increase the chances of carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Workplace factors. Working with vibrating tools or on an assembly line that requires prolonged or repetitive flexing of the wrist may create harmful pressure on the median nerve or worsen existing nerve damage, especially if the work is done in a cold environment.

  However, the scientific evidence is conflicting and these factors haven't been established as direct causes of carpal tunnel syndrome.

The reason none of these factors is single-handedly proven to be the main cause is because the carpal tunnel will happen any time there is constriction of the nerves. All of those factors contribute to carpal tunnel but they may or may not be enough to cause the condition individually.

Ergonomics Makes a Big Difference

Don’t be like the man in the photo. An ideal work area should be comfortable and based on your health not esthetic.

Transitioning away from simplistic designs and instead focusing on longevity through ergonomics can reduce the symptoms of carpal tunnel among people who work in computer-intensive careers.

We strongly recommend at least upgrading your desk chair, keyboard and mouse (if you work at an office) to help you.

Reach out if you want specific recommendations.

Chiropractic Adjustments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome should be diagnosed and treated early. Our Sacramento Chiropractors examine the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck to determine if the symptoms their patient is experiencing are linked to everyday activities or an underlying disorder. The chiropractor also does a spinal manipulation to help them evaluate overall spinal health, review the patient’s daily routine, and get information on medical history.

The goal of chiropractic treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is to relieve pain without medication or surgery.

At Barham Chiropractic we treat patients with Carpal Tunnel daily.

If you or a loved one struggle with Carpal Tunnel issues, please reach out to us during our office hours or by filling out the contact information on our New Patient Offer.

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