Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/ Median Nerve Entrapment

What is it?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition brought on by increased pressure on the median nerve that can occur at the wrist and or the forearm. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, and pain in the arm, hand and or fingers.

What causes it?

Repetitive motion such as typing can cause specific muscles in the wrist and forearm to become tight, creating pressure on the nerve. Swelling from fluid retention during pregnancy can cause carpal tunnel syndrome that will often go away after delivery. Thyroid conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes can be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Signs and symptoms

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually include pain, numbness, tingling, or a combination of the three. The numbness or tingling is usually in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. These symptoms are often worse at night but may be noticed during activities of daily living such as driving or reading a newspaper. Patients may sometimes notice a weaker grip, occasional clumsiness of the hand and a tendency to drop things.

Diagnosis

A detailed history including medical conditions, how the hands have been used and whether there were any prior injuries is important.  A specific examination of the hand using palpation will often reveal which muscles are affected and where the nerve entrapment is occurring.

Treatment

A two week trial of conservative care will generally result in a favorable outcome in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome/ median nerve entrapment syndrome.

Treatment consists of moist heat, with electric stimulation to reduce adhesions and increase circulation to the effected muscles. This is followed by specific soft tissue techniques to the involved muscles, ligaments and tendons. Finally a gentle Chiropractic mobilization of the affected joints will be performed to restore normal motion.