The median nerve goes through the carpal tunnel, a passageway on the palm-side of the wrist. Because the median nerve controls the movement of all of the fingers except the pinky, the pressure on the nerve causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand and fingers.
Causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Repetitive motions
- Hypothyroidism
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
Patients with carpal tunnel might notice that their fingers feel like they’re “falling asleep.” Sometimes, carpal tunnel syndrome causes tingling in your hands that runs all the way into your shoulder.
As carpal tunnel syndrome worsens, patients experience:
- Slower nerve impulses
- Loss of feeling in the fingers
- Loss of strength and coordination
- Inability to use thumb to pinch
If gone untreated, carpal tunnel can cause permanent damage to the affected hand and wrist.
If you work in a job that requires repetitive motions with your hands, you are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
Jobs that carry more risk include:
- Assembly line worker
- Sewer or knitter
- Baker
- Cashier
- Musician
Carpal tunnel syndrome is more likely to develop in women than in men.
Regardless of your sex, you can prevent it by softening your grip, which reduces strain on the median nerve. You should take breaks during work whenever they are available, improve your posture, and make sure you’re using proper form when performing your tasks.
Obesity can cause carpal tunnel, making nutritional changes and regularly exercising can also help prevent it.
Repetitive motions can exacerbate the injury, you may have to take time off of work if you have carpal tunnel syndrome. During this period, Dr. Sas recommends executing specific exercises that strengthen the wrist and relieve pressure on the nerve. You should perform these exactly as prescribed.
When the spine isn’t properly aligned, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can worsen.
Through a series of manipulations in the wrist, elbow, and upper spine, Dr. Sas can relieve pressure and reduce inflammation all throughout your body, especially on the median nerve. That can help alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Sas can help you to experience relief from your carpal tunnel syndrome. Contact Gateway Chiropractic today to learn more.
