The Role of Prenatal Chiropractic in Alleviating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Role of Prenatal Chiropractic in Alleviating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Greetings, lovely Sacramento moms-to-be!

Welcome to Barham Chiropractic's blog, where today we're focusing on a common concern: "Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy."

Pregnancy in Sacramento brings joy and challenges. We're here to offer support through it all.

Here at our Sacramento, CA Chiropractor, we make sure your pregnancy journey is as comfortable as possible and address issues like carpal tunnel syndrome with care and understanding.

Let's explore this topic together, providing the empathy and support you need for a smoother pregnancy experience.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
During Pregnancy

Carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy can be a common issue for many women. As the body goes through changes, such as hormonal fluctuations and fluid retention, the median nerve in the wrist can become compressed, leading to symptoms of tingling, numbness, and pain in the hand and wrist. Pregnant women may experience these symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome due to the repetitive motions they perform daily.

Dealing with carpal tunnel can be challenging, but there are ways chiropractic adjustments can help relieve nerve compression and pain. Chiropractic care focuses on the spine and its connection to the rest of the body, including the forearm and hand. By adjusting the spine, chiropractors can help relieve carpal tunnel pain and discomfort.

Pregnancy and carpal tunnel don't have to go hand in hand. Chiropractic helps in four ways: by addressing the repetitive motion that may cause carpal tunnel, relieving compression on the median nerve, and improving overall symptoms of carpal tunnel. This holistic approach can make a significant difference for pregnant women dealing with carpal tunnel.

The case study explored the efficacy of chiropractic manipulation for relieving carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) symptoms in a 42-year-old female. Significant improvements in grip strength, motor and sensory latencies, and symptom relief were observed following four weeks of treatment, suggesting a potential benefit of chiropractic care for CTS.

Can a Chiropractor Help with
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome While Pregnant? 

Can a Chiropractor Help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome While Pregnant? Suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can be difficult, especially during pregnancy, when hormonal changes can exacerbate the condition. The cause of carpal tunnel is the compression of the median nerve in the wrist, leading to pain and numbness in the wrist and hand. Symptoms such as tingling in the hand and fingers are common during pregnancy. While various treatment options are available, including wearing a splint or undergoing surgery, chiropractic care offers a gentle and non-invasive approach. Chiropractors can help treat carpal tunnel syndrome through adjustments to the spine, which can alleviate pressure on the median nerve that runs through a small passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel.

However, it's essential to consult a pregnancy chiropractor who is experienced in working with pregnant women and understands the changes during pregnancy that can affect the body. Chiropractic manipulation of the spine can not only help with carpal tunnel symptoms but also with other complaints during pregnancy, such as back pain, which is common during pregnancy. By addressing the root cause of carpal tunnel, chiropractic care can provide relief without needing medications or invasive procedures.

Exploring the Advantages of Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Pregnancy-related symptoms can be challenging to deal with, especially as the body undergoes numerous changes. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common conditions experienced during pregnancy, with typical symptoms including swollen carpal tunnel, numbness in the fingers, and nerve interference. Prenatal Chiropractic Care can help relieve pressure on the nerves, improve symptoms, and relieve carpal tunnel. Chiropractic adjustments can also help with sciatic and symphysis pubis pain caused by increased fluid build-up and spinal misalignments during pregnancy.

Chiropractors can help pregnant women improve their range of motion, decrease fluid build-up, and alleviate nerve interference through adjustments, exercises, stretches, and kinesiology tape. This holistic approach to prenatal care can be especially beneficial in the third trimester when the body experiences a significant increase in fluid and the symptoms are at their peak.

Practical Techniques for Alleviating
Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

1. Take breaks and stretch: Regularly take breaks from repetitive tasks and stretch your hands and wrists to reduce strain and tension.
2. Use proper ergonomics: Adjust your workspace to promote proper posture and minimize strain on your hands and wrists. Use an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, and ensure your chair and desk are at the right height.
3. Wear a wrist splint: Wearing a wrist splint can help keep your wrist in a neutral position and reduce pressure on the median nerve, alleviating symptoms.
4. Ice and heat therapy: Applying ice packs to reduce inflammation and heat packs to improve blood circulation can help alleviate pain and swelling.
5. Physical therapy: Working with a physical therapist to strengthen muscles in the hand and wrist and improve flexibility and range of motion can help alleviate symptoms.
6. Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain and inflammation.
7. Hand exercises: Regular hand and wrist exercises can help improve strength and flexibility, reducing the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
8. Avoid repetitive movements: Limiting or avoiding repetitive movements that worsen symptoms can help alleviate pain and prevent further damage to the median nerve.
9. Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can increase pressure on the median nerve, exacerbating symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Maintaining a healthy weight can help alleviate symptoms.
10. Consider alternative therapies: Acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage therapy can be beneficial in reducing pain and improving symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Consult with a healthcare professional before trying any alternative treatments. 

Thanks for reading our blog on how prenatal chiropractic can alleviate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! If you have any questions or need more information, please get in touch with us at Barham Chiropractic during office hours or fill out our New Patient Offer.

Your well-being is our priority. We're here to provide you with the care and support you need.

Reference

Valente, R., & Gibson, H. (1994). Chiropractic manipulation in carpal tunnel syndrome.. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 17 4, 246-9 .


Clinically reviewed by Steven Barham, D.C.

— Updated on February 22, 2024

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Prenatal Chiropractic: Navigating Pregnancy-Related Scoliosis with Care