As a chiropractor, I often consult with patients who are experiencing pain in their hands and wrists.
Many times they have been told they have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, when actually, there are other problems that can mimic this problem; a thorough exam is required to find the answer.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome refers to a series of symptoms such as pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand, often accompanied by loss of grip strength and other symptoms.
The pain and tingling can also run up into the arm.
True Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by pressure on the Median nerve at the wrist.
It usually occurs as a result of repetitive use of the hands or from injuries to the wrist.
The repetitive use or injuries causes the collapse of a protective sheath that is around the nerve (this sheath forms what is known as the Carpal Tunnel).
With the collapse of the sheath, the Median nerve gets compressed by movement of the hand and wrist.
Many people who suffer from symptoms in the hands and wrists do not have true Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; rather their symptoms are coming from pressure on the nerves in the neck, upper back, and shoulders.
There is a bundle of nerves, called the Brachial Plexus, coming from the base of the neck; these nerves travel through the structures of the shoulder and down into the arm, wrist, and hand.
Problems in the neck, upper back, and shoulders can cause pressure on these nerves, resulting in similar symptoms as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Even though the symptoms are similar, they will not respond to standard Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatments.
If you are experiencing symptoms in both hands, that chances of your problem coming from the neck are that much greater.
The good news is that non-surgical and non-pharmaceutical treatments are available.
A thorough evaluation from a qualified health professional, such as a chiropractor or physical therapist, can determine the exact cause of your symptoms.
If it is determined that your symptoms are coming from your neck, upper back, or shoulders, a course of treatment can be recommended to provide relief
Many times they have been told they have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, when actually, there are other problems that can mimic this problem; a thorough exam is required to find the answer.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome refers to a series of symptoms such as pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand, often accompanied by loss of grip strength and other symptoms.
The pain and tingling can also run up into the arm.
True Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by pressure on the Median nerve at the wrist.
It usually occurs as a result of repetitive use of the hands or from injuries to the wrist.
The repetitive use or injuries causes the collapse of a protective sheath that is around the nerve (this sheath forms what is known as the Carpal Tunnel).
With the collapse of the sheath, the Median nerve gets compressed by movement of the hand and wrist.
Many people who suffer from symptoms in the hands and wrists do not have true Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; rather their symptoms are coming from pressure on the nerves in the neck, upper back, and shoulders.
There is a bundle of nerves, called the Brachial Plexus, coming from the base of the neck; these nerves travel through the structures of the shoulder and down into the arm, wrist, and hand.
Problems in the neck, upper back, and shoulders can cause pressure on these nerves, resulting in similar symptoms as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Even though the symptoms are similar, they will not respond to standard Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatments.
If you are experiencing symptoms in both hands, that chances of your problem coming from the neck are that much greater.
The good news is that non-surgical and non-pharmaceutical treatments are available.
A thorough evaluation from a qualified health professional, such as a chiropractor or physical therapist, can determine the exact cause of your symptoms.
If it is determined that your symptoms are coming from your neck, upper back, or shoulders, a course of treatment can be recommended to provide relief
SHARE
