Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition affecting millions of people throughout the world, predominantly due to the repetitive nature of some jobs.
The symptoms can vary widely but most sufferers report stiffness, aching, tingling, or numbness in the hand and arm which becomes increasingly worse after exertion. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is where the median nerve, the most important nerve to the hand and forearm, is compressed under pressure as it passes through the carpal Tunnel. The median nerve is a group of sensory nerves that link the brain to the hand and forearm.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or CTS, is caused by overuse of the hand. It is not a disease, but is more commonly known as “the pinched nerve syndrome.”
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a very frustrating condition for sufferers, as the symptoms can be extremely debilitating and frustrating. However, there are effective treatments. Doctors will often recommend surgery to relieve pain and alleviate discomfort. Surgery can correct nerve damage and shorten the symptoms. But, in some cases, the pain and numbness persists or worsens over time, and therefore treatment may need to include pain relievers and anti-nausea medications, chiropractic adjustments, electrical stimulation, and muscle relaxers.
Chiropractic adjustments, help to improve circulation and ease the symptoms by applying a steady force to the affected nerve. This can be performed with a hand splint or a special type of brace. Electrical stimulation, or acupuncture, helps to relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. Muscle relaxers help to control the pain and numbness, and they are used in conjunction with other pain medications. It is important to note that these treatments may also provide some relief from the symptoms and pain, but that they cannot reverse the symptoms completely and should never be used as a primary treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
For most people, there are also non-surgical treatment options.
Chiropractic adjustments and electrical stimulation are usually combined with other non-surgical treatment options to achieve greater overall health.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be treated with a combination of anti-inflammatory medications, massage, heat and massage, electrical stimulation, and muscle relaxers. To relieve the symptoms, these treatments may be done three times daily, once in the morning, once at night, and then two or three times at night, followed by exercise or a stress management program.
In many cases, the symptoms of Carpal Syndrome will resolve on their own. However, if the condition has progressed to the point where surgery may be recommended, the doctor will evaluate whether any physical therapy is necessary to relieve the pain.
If symptoms persist, the doctor may recommend the use of an Iliac Joint Support Device (IJSD), a device that supports the elbow joint to relieve pressure on the Carpal Tunnel. IJsDS devices work to help reduce pain and provide support for the carpal tunnels. These devices are made of soft, flexible rubber, similar to a gliding device worn by runners.
IJsDS devices are most effective when they are used in combination with pain medications such as NSAIDs. Some people experience increased pain after the use of an IJSD, but others report no change in symptoms. In this case, patients may want to consider other options for pain management. There are also Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are available to treat the pain, along with over-the-counter analgesics such as Tylenol or aspirin.
For some people, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or NSAIDs, may cause some side effects. Therefore, doctors may prescribe some form of medication in addition to the IJsDS to relieve the symptoms. However, this should not be the first choice for a patient who needs relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Massage therapy is another alternative that can help relieve some of the symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It is not as effective as IJsDS or the use of an IJSD. However, it can provide some relief for some patients, especially when combined with the use of IJsDS devices.
Some patients find massage to be helpful for alleviating pain and discomfort. Patients are encouraged to see their physicians for further evaluation and to discuss other options, including the use of pain medications, before undergoing massage therapy to relieve pain.