What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & How Can I Naturally Heal It?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a wrist injury that can cause considerable discomfort, deter people from physical activities and work, and even compromise quality sleep. Because most of us use our hands and wrists regularly, it can quickly interfere with our lifestyle. 

Chiropractic care is a reliable resource for those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome because chiropractors understand the relationships within the spine and the musculoskeletal system (the joints and soft tissues). Using natural chiropractic solutions, the injury can be resolved and comfort restored. 

But how do you know if you have carpal tunnel syndrome?

This article answers that question, as well as:

• What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

• What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
• How can I prevent or relieve pain related to carpal tunnel syndrome?
• Can chiropractic care treat carpal tunnel syndrome?
• And more

When experiencing hand and wrist pain, finding a fast solution is the priority; chiropractic methods safely treat the source of your pain. Read on to learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome and how to treat it effectively. 

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway at the base of the hand that allows the median nerve to pass through it, connecting the forearm to the palm. This nerve provides sensation to most of the fingers and controls the base of the thumb. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome results when the median nerve becomes compressed at the wrist within the carpal tunnel. This typically occurs due to irritation or inflammation of the tendons that narrows the carpal tunnel, putting pressure on the nerve.

Symptoms of CTS usually start gradually and escalate if not treated; some include: 

• Mild to severe pain in the affected hand and wrist, especially while in use
• Tingling and numbness in the fingers, hand, or both
• Consistent numbness in the hand and fingers
• Shock sensations in the thumb and index, middle, and ring finger 
• Tingling or numbing that radiates from the wrist into the forearm
• Weakness in the affected hand 
• Inability to hold objects, use the fingers, or close the hand
• Swollen fingers
• Loss of mobility in the hand

These symptoms often appear when using your hands for controlled motions, such as holding a book, steering wheel, or phone, or while performing your job, doing physical exercise, or playing sports. 

The most common reasons for carpal tunnel syndrome are:

• Consistent motions due to occupation, such as chef, computer worker, hairstylist, cashier, musician, artist, painter, and others
• Consistent motions due to sports or athletics, such as racquet sports, weightlifting, swimming, golf, rock climbing, and others
• Soft tissue imbalance or chronic condition elsewhere that puts pressure on the carpal tunnel
• Your unique hand structure 

Visit Our Pittsburgh Chiropractor for Effective Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment 

At Fox Chapel Chiropractic, we treat many patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome using various chiropractic services to ensure comfort. We’ve seen firsthand how our holistic solutions and comprehensive care promote healing of the carpal tunnel. 

Chiropractic solutions we offer to treat carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Chiropractic adjustments to the spine and wrist 
• Pinched nerve treatment  
• Corrective exercises and stretches
• Lifestyle guidance regarding strengthening and proactive care
• And more

To maintain the results you receive in our clinic, our experienced chiropractor will educate you on the best ways to protect your hands and wrists in the future.  

Tips to help avoid carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Consider your force when typing, using power tools, or making other repetitive motions involving the wrist, fingers, and hand
• Give your hands and wrists a short break from repetitive or vibrating tasks every 30 minutes, and always break if your hands start to feel tired or uncomfortable 
• Stretch and bend your wrists regularly; you can do this when you take a 30-minute break from your activities; however, implementing wrist strengthening into a routine is an excellent way to keep them protected
• When sitting at a desk and working on a computer, sit with your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and feet flat on the floor, as your wrists stay straight or only slightly bent and in line with your arms for typing
• Alternate between activities or tasks to reduce the strain on your hands and wrists
• Keep your hands and wrists warm
• Wear a splint at night to keep your wrist straight while sleeping

When you rely on a healthy hand and wrist to get you through work, exercise, or any of your other daily events, carpal tunnel syndrome can easily get in the way. You deserve to live pain-free. 

Our Pittsburgh carpal tunnel syndrome chiropractor will use in-clinic solutions combined with unique take-home guidance to help you safely build and maintain strength and health.

Contact us today; let’s get you confident in your body.