Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Your carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway located in the wrist. This "tunnel" allows for the median nerve, which extends from the spine to the hand, to pass through. 

•Any swelling of the carpal tunnel can cause compression on the median nerve, resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome and potentially cutting off or limiting feeling and movement to portions of the hand. 

•Women are three times as prone to developing the condition as men. Experts are unsure why women are more likely to get CTS, but it's suspected it may be due to the smaller size of most women's carpal tunnel.

•Carpal tunnel syndrome cases can be complicated because it's often impossible to pinpoint the exact cause. 

•There is research indicating that some cases of CTS may be caused by repetitive motion, like construction work, factory work or typing. Evidence suggests that genetics could play a role as well; some people just have a smaller carpal tunnel than others.

The median nerve originates in the cervical spine. 

A chiropractor can investigate and locate any potential interference in your spinal vertebrae that may be causing compression of the nerves. 

Chiropractic methods of treatment can include gentle manipulation of the wrist, elbow and cervical spine.

Left untreated, the syndrome can cause permanent damage to the hand or thumb. If you think you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, a quick consultation with a chiropractor can kick-start the healing process and potentially prevent unnecessary surgery.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be difficult to diagnosis. Often, misdiagnosed patients are suffering from another condition that exhibits similar symptoms, such as arthritis, subluxations or disc degeneration in the cervical spine that can irritate the median nerve.