The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the palm side of your hand surrounded by bones and ligaments. When the median nerve gets compressed, it causes a painful condition called carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disorder that causes tingling, weakness, or numbness in your hand. Sometimes, the condition can be severe enough that you may need professional treatment. Our experienced team here at Back on Track Chiropractic can help if you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. We help patients in and around Birmingham, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Homewood, and Vestavia Hills.
What Is the Median Nerve?
The median nerve can quickly become irritated when certain conditions cause a change in the position of carpal tunnel tissue or swelling. As a result, the first three fingers experience numbness and tingling. The median nerve flows through the carpal tunnel to obtain sensations from the hand's first three fingers. The irritation that is caused is known as carpal tunnel syndrome.
What Happens as the Carpal Tunnel Progresses?
A person with carpal tunnel syndrome will experience symptoms as the condition progresses, such as weakness, burning, cramping, shooting pains in the forearm, and decreased grip and hand strength. While this condition may only be temporary, it can also persist and progress. The frequent dropping of objects is usually what begins to happen as patients start to notice a decrease in their grip strength. Carpal tunnel syndrome that is chronic can also result in atrophy.
How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?
Examination by a doctor is needed to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. The doctor will also ask you about your symptoms since diagnosis is based on your symptoms and hand numbness distribution. The doctor may also examine your wrist for tenderness, deformity, discoloration, and swelling. A nerve conduction velocity test is also given. If abnormal, this further confirms the diagnosis. Sometimes an electromyogram test is performed to test the muscles of the extremity.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Release?
To decrease pressure on the median nerve, carpal tunnel release may be performed. It is a surgical procedure that involves cutting off the band of tissue surrounding the wrist. This results in a decrease in pressure on the median nerve. Conservative measures such as cortisone injections, medications, and splinting help to heal most patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Surgical treatment is only considered to avoid permanent nerve and muscle damage.
Contact Us for Treatment from Our Chiropractor in Birmingham
Chiropractic care can help with carpal tunnel syndrome as well. Sometimes patients may not want to continue taking medications or may want to see if they can avoid surgery. This is where we come in. Give us a call today here at Back on Track Chiropractic in Birmingham to schedule your appointment. Find out how our team can help your work ergonomics today.
