Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) has been called the occupational disease of the 90's. Most people associate it with using computer keyboards, but anyone who performs repetitive motions for several hours or more a day can suffer from it, including musicians, carpenters, meat cutters, homemakers and assembly line workers. Poorly designed tools or vibrating tools can also cause CTS. So what is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and how do you know if you have it? Your wrist, or carpal bones form a tunnel through which pass tendons and a single nerve known as the median nerve. CTS occurs when this nerve is irritated. There are also biological causes for CTS. Women who are pregnant, use birth control pills or have an underactive thyroid can suffer from CTS. The symptoms can range from pain that is so intense that it keeps you awake at night to numbness or tingling in the hands, fingers or wrists. Arthritis, gout and other conditions can also lead to carpal tunnel problems. CTS is usually treated with ice, wrist immobilization and drugs. Unfortunately, the anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids used can create unwanted side effects. In extreme cases, surgery is performed. But the time it takes to recover from such invasive procedures can take from six months to 10 years. A much safer, and usually more effective approach to treating CTS is spinal adjustment. Chiropractic treatment can relieve the nerve pressure between the nerves in the neck and the arms and wrists. You may wonder how the spine could be involved in a problem with the wrists. The reason is that almost every time you perform a task that causes CTS, the neck is involved. For example, if you use a computer, you can strain your neck if the relationship between your chair, desk and monitor is improper. There is a lot of evidence to support the theory of the relationship between the spine and CTS. In one study, 67 to 75% of the people with CTS also had spinal nerve irritation. Another study concluded that compression of the nerves in the neck can block the flow of nutrients to the wrists, which weakens them. Finally, the best evidence to support the chiropractic theory is the experience of chiropractic patients themselves. Thousands of people have reported relief from CTS pain after receiving adjustments. Diana came to see me because both her wrist were very painful. Performing most tasks had become extremely difficult. Her doctor had sent her to physical therapy, but after six months she didn't feel any better. After one month of Network Chiropractic she was feeling 50% better. After addressing her work station and continuing chiropractic care, Diana is now able to perform all her regular activities with no pain in her wrists. If you suffer from CTS and would like to find out more about how chiropractic can help you, call (860) 667-4722.
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