Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common “peripheral neuropathies” patients have when they visit a chiropractor for the first time. Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is “…damage or disease affecting nerves. It may impair sensation, movement, gland/organ function, or other aspects of health, depending on the type of nerve affected.” Let’s take a closer look!
Peripheral Neuropathy
Common causes of PN include systemic conditions such as diabetes, vitamin deficiency, medication side effects, traumatic injury, after radiation therapy, excessive alcohol intake, an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, and/or viral infection. PN can link to an individual’s genetics that’s present from birth. For others, it may be unknown which is “idiopathic.”
Peripheral neuropathy can affect one nerve (mononeuropathy) or multiple nerves (polyneuropathy). PN can be acute (which means it comes on quickly) or chronic (which means it comes on gradually over time and progresses slowly). Symptoms may include cramps, muscle twitching, muscle atrophy or shrinkage, numbness, tingling, pins and needles, burning or cold feeling, and can affect other tissues such as bone causing degeneration, skin changes, and hair and nail changes. Peripheral neuropathy can also affect a patient’s balance/coordination which can increase an individual’s chances of falling. PN can lead to poor bladder control, heart rate/blood pressure changes, and/or affect the sweat glands.
Carpal Tunnel
One of the challenges of CTS is determining the cause/s. Here’s what we know about carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s more common in women than men and those who are overweight. It is more common in those who work in highly repetitive environments and over age 50. It is often accompanied by other upper extremities “over-use” conditions. This can include tendonitis in the hand, wrist, elbow, and/or shoulder. It can also involve the neck and commonly includes one or more of the conditions previously mentioned. Neuropathy can be caused by diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Additional swelling can add to the pressure pushing on the median nerve. It can either cause carpal tunnel syndrome or worsen an existing case.
Conclusion
CTS can have more than one underlying cause. It’s important that your doctor determine the cause to achieve the best treatment results. We’ve all heard of cases that fail to respond to surgical intervention. Surgery has always been “the last resort” although it’s appropriate in some cases. However, many CTS patients respond well to chiropractic treatment. This often includes joint manipulation and mobilization of the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, shoulder, and neck. It also includes using a night-time splint and home/work exercises. Physical therapy, nutritional considerations, and ergonomic modifications are beneficial as well. If these approaches fail to give satisfying results, your doctor will refer you to a hand surgeon to determine which procedure might be best for you.
If you or anyone you may know requires care for carpal tunnel syndrome, we would be honored to render our services here at Woodward Chiropractic & Massage!
