Dealing with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as “CTS”, is a painful condition caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist. Without effective treatment, CTS can be incredibly painful and debilitating, affecting your ability to not only work, but also enjoy an active life. If you have recently been diagnosed with CTS, you may be wondering if there are effective alternatives to surgery or medication for managing your hand pain. Our answer is a resounding ‘yes’!

How to Treat Hand Pain Caused by Typing

Below, our chiropractor answers three of our patients’ most frequently asked questions about what causes carpal tunnel syndrome and how best to treat it.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

CTS pain is due to pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway, approximately the size of your thumb, through which the median nerve passes. When this passageway becomes compressed, pressure is placed on the median nerve, triggering pain. While a number of factors are associated with the development of CTS pain, for most patients, their pain is due to a repetitive motion injury. For example, years of poor posture while typing can strain the wrist. This causes inflammation in the median nerve passageway that ultimately leads to nerve compression.

What are the most effective treatment options?

CTS treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Our chiropractor has found that many patients benefit from non-invasive, drug-free treatment that integrates chiropractic care. We find that these alternatives to surgery often produce better outcomes for pain management. The goal with treatment is to reduce swelling, which directly minimizes your pain, rather than simply rely on medication to “cover up” pain symptoms.

What should I expect from chiropractic care?

Gentle, hands-on adjustments restore proper alignment to the wrist, reducing swelling. We also work with patients to correct postural problems that may be aggravating wrist pain. Ergonomic adjustments, like a soft pad to support the wrists while typing, can make a big difference to overall health.

Have you ever experiencing hand pain caused by typing?