Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition in which there is numbness and possibly pain in the thumb, 2nd & 3rd fingers, and part of the ring finger.  There may also be a loss of sensation, swelling, and weakness in the hand.  True CTS is the result of the median nerve becoming trapped in the wrist.  Normally a "tunnel" is formed by the bones and ligaments of the wrist which allows the nerve to pass through uninhibited.  If this tunnel collapses due to weakening of the tissues or is compromised by inflammation, the median nerve is affected and CTS results.  Vascular disorders and diabetes can also produce CTS symptoms.

People with CTS find that they drop things easily, have trouble wringing a cloth, and have to shake their hands to get them to "wake up".  The symptoms are often worse at night.   Pain without numbness is usually not CTS.  Contrary to popular belief, studies are showing that it is probably not the result of repetitive strains such as extended periods of using a computer keyboard.

Not all numbness or pain in the hand is CTS however.  If only it was so simple!  Nerves can be irritated or entrapped in the neck, thoracic outlet (muscles at the side of the neck & collarbone), shoulder girdle, and elbow producing the same symptoms.  It's important to determine where the nerve irritation is coming from in order to apply the best treatment.  I have seen numerous cases over the years where patients have had CTS surgery which did not improve their symptoms.  That was because the problem did not originate in their wrist.

There are a number of simple tests that can pinpoint were the nerve is being compromised.  This can, and frequently does, occur at multiple sites at the same time.  Once the site of the problem is determined, appropriate treatment can be applied.  Chiropractic adjustments, low level laser therapy, natural anti-inflammatories, nutritional supplements (B6, Vit. C, Omega 3 fatty acids, MSM & magnesium), therapeutic massage, exercises, and night splints can all be used in treating CTS.  Surgery should be performed if conservative treatments fail.  Once the tissues are cut they cannot be uncut.

The chiropractic approach utilizing combinations of the therapies listed above is very effect in treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  Because we look at the body as a whole rather than just individual parts and symptoms, we are able to locate and treat the cause or causes, not just the symptoms.  As with any condition, the sooner treatment begins the better the outcome usually is.  If you have numbness and/or pain in your hand, have it checked by a chiropractor.

Fighting Gravity

One of my sons has a t-shirt that says, "Obey gravity - It's the law".  Gravity is a force that is constantly pulling on our bodies.  In order to walk up right we are literally fighting gravity.  To be successful we need to have both good balance and good posture.  If we don't we will be prone to muscle and joint problems, falls, nervous system problems and stress on all our body systems.  Balance and posture play a big role in our health.


Fortunately there are a couple of simple exercises that can help improve a person's balance and posture.  These exercises can be performed by anyone regardless of age.

The most basic balance exercise is the One Leg Stand.

The One Leg Stand should be done three times every day.  Note that if you are very unbalanced or have vertigo, have someone with you to make sure you don't fall.  If you have hip or joint problems, only bend the joint as far as you comfortably can.
 
Posture problems are the first things to happen when gravity starts to get the best of us.  The basic posture exercise is the Wall Pelvic Tilt. 

Wall Pelvic Tilts should be performed twice daily.

When doing either of these exercises it's important to get your form as perfect as you can.  To get the most benefit focus and concentrate on the muscles and movements.  Most people notice very rapid improvements in their balance and posture when they do these two simple exercises regularly.  They are a great way to counteract the negative effects gravity has on the human body.