The carpal tunnel, located in the wrist, is a space formed between the bones of the wrist and a ligament, the flexor retinaculum, which is situated like a bracelet around the wrist. Through this tunnel runs the median nerve, along with arteries and veins. This neurovascular bundle supplies sensation to a majority of the hand, and nerve supply to the muscles of most of the hand along with the blood supply to the hand. Once the carpal tunnel becomes narrowed, it causes pressure on this nerve causing inflammation. Inflammation to the median nerve and surrounding soft tissues usually manifests itself as pain, and/or numbness and tingling, and/or weakness into the hand. Some of the cardinal signs of this condition are waking up in the middle of the night with your hand totally numb, or dropping things.
Because we use our hands for so many functions, this condition can be quite disabling. Treatment takes on several forms. Initially, physicians usually prescribe anti-inflammatory medication. If the condition is mild, this will sometimes alleviate the pain, however, it fails to address the cause of the condition. Often wrist splints referred to as “cock up splints” are recommended. These splints place the wrist in a slightly elevated position leaving the carpal tunnel in an open position thereby alleviating pressure on the median nerve. Typically, if these interventions don’t work, stronger, corticosteroid anti-inflammatory medication is used, either orally or by injection. Physical therapy is also utilized to decrease the inflammation, and stabilize and strengthen the forearm musculature. As a final resort, surgery may be indicated. This often results in relief for 3-7 years with a return of symptoms due to developing scar tissue. If left untreated, this condition usually progresses until the pain and numbness become severe, accompanied by weakness in the extremity. Eventually permanent nerve damage occurs and the patient is left with permanent weakness, muscle atrophy, and disability.
At Northwest Wellness Center our physicians are trained to diagnose and treat this condition. A thorough examination is performed of the carpal tunnel and related areas so that any other possible causes such as nerve impingement (pressure) located in the elbow, shoulder, or neck, can be ruled out. These areas, if involved, can mimic carpal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, medical conditions such as hypothyroid (low thyroid) may be a causative or contributing factor. Because misdiagnosis is one of the main reasons for obtaining poor treatment outcomes, we take the time to ensure that your problem is accurately diagnosed. Once the examination is completed, our physicians can recommend the best type of treatment program to address both the symptoms and the functional imbalances which caused your condition to develop. We have medical, chiropractic, acupuncture, physical therapy, nutritional, and rehab to help resolve your condition.
2960 North State Rd. 7 | Suite 204 | Margate, FL 33063
Carpal tunnel syndrome is classified as a cumulative stress disorder or CTD. Cumulative stress disorders typically occur as a result of excessive or repeated use of a part of the body. People who work with their hands such as keyboard operators, assembly line workers, people who lift weights and even people who spend long periods of time in spinning class are extremely vulnerable. Vibration and repetitive motion in conjunction with repeated micro trauma to the hands and wrists can often result in carpal tunnel syndrome.
