Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common ailment that afflicts people of all ages and occupations. People with carpal tunnel syndrome experience numbness and weakness in their hands and fingers, which can interfere with their functioning. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, this syndrome is progressive and can worsen over time without proper treatment.
If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, chiropractic care may relieve your symptoms. Our doctors at Specific Care Chiropractic in Pembroke Pines can assess your symptoms and offer treatments to reduce your pain and improve your functioning. Call (239) 369-9109 to get started.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
According to Mayo Clinic, carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm through the wrist and into the hand, becomes compressed or irritated. It causes tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hands and arms. People with carpal tunnel syndrome may feel sensations like small shocks or tingling in their hands and fingers, and they may drop items because of a lack of muscle control.
No one really knows what causes carpal tunnel syndrome. Although many people think repetitive typing or computer use is the source, no studies verify this idea. Some factors that put people at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome are:
- Gender: Women are at greater risk than men.
- Medical conditions: People with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, kidney failure, lymphedema, arthritis, and obesity are at greater risk.
- Pregnancy: Many pregnant women retain fluid, which can compress the median nerve. Pregnancy-induced symptoms usually resolve after delivery.
- Previous injuries: People who have broken or dislocated their wrist are at greater risk.
- Medications: The breast cancer medication anastrozole (Arimidex), used to treat breast cancer, is linked to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Chiropractic Treatment Can Help With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Studies have shown that chiropractic manipulation can help with carpal tunnel syndrome. One study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine shows that manipulations of the upper extremities, mobilization of the elbow and shoulder, and adjustments of the bones of the forearm, wrist, hand, and fingers improved one patient’s carpal tunnel syndrome.
At Specific Care Chiropractic, we offer a variety of chiropractic treatments that may help with your carpal tunnel syndrome. Our doctors will assess your condition before creating a personalized treatment plan of chiropractic adjustments. While you may experience immediate relief, you will most likely need to continue treatment to prevent a recurrence of your symptoms.
We may use these adjustments to treat carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Diversified adjustments: When you think of chiropractic adjustments, you probably think of diversified adjustments, even if you are unfamiliar with the term. This approach is the classic chiropractic treatment in which the patient lies down while the doctor manipulates the spine back into alignment. Typically, the doctor will apply quick, forceful thrusts to pop the neck or spine into place.
- Seated diversified adjustments: This type of adjustment uses the same approach as diversified adjustments, but here, the patient sits instead of lying down. Seated diversified adjustments are a common treatment approach for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Manual extremities adjustments: Manual adjustments rely on the same theory as diversified adjustments, but here, the doctor manipulates the joints of the extremities instead of the spine. Manual extremities adjustments are the perfect approach for carpal tunnel syndrome since it affects the wrist and hands.
- The activator method: This method relies on a handheld device to apply high-velocity, low-amplitude force to the affected joint instead of using the doctor’s manual force.
- Sacral-occipital technique: This technique focuses on restoring the alignment between the base on the spine, known as the sacrum, and the base of the skull, known as the occiput. This approach can reduce pain and disorders of the extremities, including the wrist, hand, and fingers.
Complementary Therapies May Also Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Our Pembroke Pines office offers complementary therapies in addition to our chiropractic treatments. Our physiotherapy services that can treat carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Corrective care: Corrective care is the final phase of chiropractic treatments. Here, our doctors will continue to provide adjustments to maintain your progress and relieve any carpal tunnel syndrome flare-ups.
- Massage: Massage therapy from one of our licensed massage therapists can increase circulation, improve flexibility, and reduce stiffness. One study published in the German journal Schmerz showed that massage had a positive effect on patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Ultrasound therapy: This approach applies sound waves to the affected area to increase circulation and promote healing. One study published in the journal American Family Physician shows that therapeutic ultrasound helps patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Rehabilitation therapy: The goal of rehabilitation is to help patients regain the skills they have lost and maintain the goals they have achieved from chiropractic treatment. Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome may have lost range of motion and mobility in the affected joints. Our in-office therapists will create a specialized treatment plan to improve the affected arm, wrist, and fingers.
- Stretching and strength training: One study published in the Journal of Hand Therapy demonstrated that stretching of the carpal ligament provided a statistically significant improvement in patients’ carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Our therapists will tailor a stretching program for you based on your specific symptoms and may recommend strengthening exercises to improve your hand and wrist strength.
- Electrical muscle stimulation (e-stim): Just as ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to stimulate healing, e-stim uses electric pulses to promote healing. We may administer e-stim therapy to reduce your pain and promote repair for your carpal tunnel syndrome.
Contact Specific Care Chiropractic Today Concerning Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pembroke Pines
Carpal tunnel syndrome can interfere with your life, but it doesn’t have to. Proper treatment can reduce your pain, improve your symptoms, and restore function to your wrists and fingers. To learn more about the chiropractic services we offer at Specific Care Chiropractic in Broward County, call our office at (239) 369-9109 today.
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