Carpal Tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome radiates from the median nerve in your wrist.  This is the nerve that runs the length of the arm. It runs through a  small passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel and then ends in the  hand. This nerve is what allows you to control the movement and the  feeling in your thumb, index finger, and your middle finger. The only  finger not controlled by this nerve is your pinky finger. Here at The  Wellness Center PDX in Portland, OR, our experienced team of  chiropractors is ready to treat your carpel tunnel syndrome pain. 

In most cases, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome come on gradually.  In the early stages, you might notice that your fingers are falling  asleep more often. They may also start feeling numb at night. The  numbness often occurs the most when your hand and wrist are relaxed. As  the condition progresses, you will wake up in the morning with numb or  tingling hands, and it may run all the way up to your shoulder. When the  condition has become severe, you will start to lose your grip strength  and the numbness and tingling will lessen. Instead, you will feel severe  wrist pain and muscle cramps.  

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused when the carpal tunnel narrows,  often because of swelling. There are a few causes of carpal tunnel  syndrome; the most common cause is performing repetitive motions over a  long period of time. Most people develop this condition at work due to  poor work ergonomics, therefore anyone who works in an office and types  all day is at risk. In addition, hairstylists that move their wrists all  day while cutting hair and are also commonly at risk. Anyone who has a  job requiring repetitive motions is at risk of developing this  condition.

There are certain medical conditions that put you at risk of  developing carpel tunnel syndrome as well. Hyperthyroidism, obesity,  diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis can all increase your chances of  developing the condition. Finally, pregnancy is also a risk factor due  to the elevated stress on your body. 

In the early stages, carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated by a  chiropractor. The chiropractor can use gentle manipulation of your  wrist, your elbow, and even your cervical spine to treat the condition.  If your condition is too severe, you may be recommended for surgery. 

Inside the hand and wrist lies the carpal tunnel and the median nerve. Sometimes compression or a form of trauma to this nerve causes sharp, chronic pain. Sprains, swelling, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis,  and tumors in the carpal tunnel may also cause this pain. In other instances, a doctor cannot identify why a person experiences the stabbing pain or weakness in the wrist. 

The most common symptoms consist of tingling, numbness, burning or  itching sensations in the palms or the fingers. These feelings may last  all day while feeling worse at night. When a person wakes in the  morning, they jerk or move their hands trying to shake out the numbness  and pain. Most people don't realize that they have carpal tunnel  syndrome until the symptoms worsen. 

While any adult can get carpal tunnel syndrome, women experience this  condition 3 times more often than men due to some having smaller carpal  tunnels in their wrists. People with diabetes also have an increased  risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome due to the metabolic changes  to the nerves in their bodies. People who work manufacturing and food  packing jobs commonly deal with this condition although carpal tunnel  syndrome is not restricted to any specific job or industry. 

At The Wellness Center, Dr. Gabriel will perform an examination to  determine whether a person has carpal tunnel syndrome. This examination  involves the use of electrodiagnostic tests to study the nerve and see  how it reacts to transmitted electrical pulses. If a diagnosis of carpal  tunnel syndrome is made, Dr. Gabriel will provide a range of  nonsurgical treatments that include acupuncture and chiropractic care to  strengthen the wrists and relieve the pain.