Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain in the hand, wrist, and forearm. It also causes numbness, sensation of pins and needles, and weakness. It is reportedly experienced by more than 3 million people per year in the United States.

Those who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome may find that their lives are severely impacted by the side effects associated with the disorder. Furthermore, permanent nerve and muscle damage can occur without treatment.

Fortunately, chiropractic care is a proven treatment method for carpal tunnel syndrome and individuals who undergo chiropractic for carpal tunnel can once again experience pain-free living!

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What causes carpal tunnel?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs from the forearm through a passageway in the wrist. It provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb and fingers. It also provides nerve signals to move the muscles around the base of the thumb.

Any action that squeezes or irritates the median nerve can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Often times, it is a combination of factors that leads to the development of the condition.

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Risk factors

A number of factors have been associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of these factors include:

• Anatomic factors
• Gender
• Nerve-damaging conditions
• Inflammation
• Medications
• Obesity
• Body fluid changes
• Medical conditions
• Workplace factors

Studies have evaluated whether there is an association between computer usage and carpal tunnel syndrome. Evidence suggests that prolonged use of a mouse and keyboard can cause carpal tunnel syndrome due to the placement of the wrist on a work desk.

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Complications

Individuals who have carpal tunnel syndrome often experience pain in the hand, wrist, and forearm. They also may experience numbness, sensation of pins and needles, and weakness. Without treatment, carpal tunnel syndrome may lead to permanent nerve damage and muscle damage.

Due to the area of the body that carpal tunnel affects, many individuals experience a disruption in their professional and personal lives. Normal activities can no longer be performed without experiencing pain.

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How is carpal tunnel treated?

If you are experiencing early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, the best things you can do include:

• Take more frequent breaks to rest your hands
• Avoid activities that make the symptoms worse
• Apply cold packs to reduce swelling

If you have moderate to severe carpal tunnel syndrome, treatment methods include:

• Wrist splinting
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Corticosteroids
• Chiropractic treatment
• Surgery

While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and pain, they do not treat the root cause of the issue.

Out of the treatment options listed above, chiropractic treatment is the only non-invasive method that focuses on treating the root cause of dysfunction, healing the issue and stopping pain long-term.