Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is definitely unpleasant, but it has become more and more common. It is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the arm and down through the hand. It happens when the median nerve, which is one of the main nerves that travels through the wrist to the hand, is compressed or pinched at the wrist. It tends to get worse over time if it is not treated, and so early diagnosis is extremely important. If caught early enough, carpal tunnel can be treated with a wrist brace or not doing certain movements and actions. However, if it is left alone and the aggravating activity is continued, the damage will continue to get worse. It may reach a point where surgery is suggested to help reduce the pain and pressure that is effecting the nerve.
There are multiple theories as to why we are seeing an increase in carpal tunnel syndrome diagnoses. The most common one is that more and more people are spending large amounts of time on computers. The fact that typing on a keyboard requires a certain position of the hands and wrist lends itself to an increase in pressure on the wrist. Many people try to use cushions under the wrist on both their keyboards and mouse pads in an attempt to alleviate this added pressure. Although we know that this isn’t a foolproof method for preventing carpal tunnel, we can definitely agree that it doesn’t hurt to try and keep prolonged pressure off of your wrists. Keeping your wrists elevated slightly is a good way to reduce the impact on the medial nerve. While there are other factors that can cause carpal tunnel, such as family history and other health conditions, anything you can do to mitigate those extra factors is worth trying.
If you have been experiencing any sort of numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in your hand and wrist, especially in your thumb or middle fingers, you should call DiBella Chiropractic right away. If this is coupled with any weakness or pain that travels up your arm and into your shoulder, let us know when you call. We will do our best to get you an appointment quickly and see if you are experiencing symptoms related to carpal tunnel. Hopefully we can help you without you needing surgery to correct the pressure and swelling. You’ll never know until you come in!
