At night, have you experienced numbness and tingling in your fingers when you wake up? You may shake your hands, flick your fingers, or rub your arms to “wake them up.” Well, you’re not alone. This is one of the more common and FIRST symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). So, why does this happen?
What is Carpal Tunnel?
A carpal tunnel is a tunnel that components of the body travel through on their way to the hand. The walls comprises of 8 small “carpal” bones. The “floor” of the tunnel consists of the transverse carpal ligament. These structures differ in size and shape and vary between men and women. CTS is more common among women than men. The contents of the tunnel include eight tendons. The tendons connect the muscles in the forearm to the index, third, ring, and pinky fingers. A ninth tendon connects to the muscle and flexes the thumb. The ninth tendon travels through the tunnel along with blood vessels. Most importantly, the median nerve supplies sensation and strength to the palm side fingers (index, third and ring fingers). The tendons to the fingers and thumb are “sheath-like.” It can swell due to the friction created by the tendon rapidly moving in the tight sheath. People who work in an occupation that requires fast, repetitive hand movements will often have problems with CTS.
The pressure inside the wrist doubles when it is fully bent either forwards or backward. However, there is already more pressure in the affected carpal tunnel of individuals with CTS. Due to swollen tendons, the pressure inside the carpal tunnel can increase when the wrist is bent. The added pressure can exacerbate the symptoms normally associated with CTS. This includes numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers. Especially when the wrist is bent for a prolonged period of time, such as sleeping.
CTS Treatment
The treatment associated with carpal tunnel syndrome includes the use of a night wrist cock-up splint. This keeps the wrist from flexing or extending during sleep and helps the swelling inside the carpal tunnel reduce. Cock-up splints aren’t typically worn during the day because they interfere too much with normal activity and may actually worsen the condition. That depends on the length of time and the type of work the person is performing. Driving will also increase symptoms, and use of the cock-up splint can be effective during that time.
Chiropractic care offers a unique form of treatment called manipulation and mobilization. It is applied to the fingers, hand, wrist, forearm, and any other area where nerve compression might be present. Frequently, it includes the cervical spine/neck region. The shoulder and elbow may also require care.
Anti-inflammatory measures include ice over the wrist and herbal preparations such as ginger, turmeric, and/or digestive enzymes. You should take these enzymes between meals to help. Modifying a CTS patient’s workstation is a good idea in order to reduce the repetitive strain. Repetitive strain is commonly associated with chronic carpal tunnel syndrome.
We sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing Woodward Chiro for those needs. If you, a friend, or family member requires care for carpal tunnel syndrome, contact our office today!
