Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

How Chiropractic Treatment Relieves Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the conditions that are commonly treated by chiropractors. Medical research has shown that chiropractic treatment can be an effective treatment for CTS, as it can lead to a decrease in pain, and significant improvements in nerve function, range of motion, and strength.

There are a variety of chiropractic techniques that may be used to treat CTS, ranging from manipulation of the wrist, ultrasound therapy, activator technique, and cold laser treatment, to name a few.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

CTS is an injury that occurs when the median nerve, which leads to the hand, becomes restricted or compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel, which is a narrow passage through the carpals (bones) in the wrist.

What Causes CTS

The problem is not with the nerve itself, but with factors that cause a restrictive pressure on the nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel. Some of these contributory factors would include:

A congenital predisposition -- some people have smaller carpal tunnels than others have.
Trauma to the wrists, such as a sprain or fracture.
Diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Work stress.
Fluid retention experienced during pregnancy or menopause.
Excessive use of vibrating hand tools.

What are the Symptoms of CTS

Some of the symptoms of CTS include:

a frequent burning, or itching sensation in the palm of the hand,
fingers feel swollen even if no swelling is evident,
the palm of the hand feels numb,
loss of strength in the muscles of the hand,
sharp pain from the hand up to the shoulder, and
a painful tingling feeling in the hand.

Treatment of CTS

The treatment options for CTS include conventional therapies, such as surgery, and drug treatment, and alternative therapies such as chiropractic, and acupuncture.

Surgery. The surgical procedure, called Carpal tunnel release, is a very common treatment in North America.
Drugs. Drug therapy is use mainly to reduce the pain and swelling that accompanies CTS.
Chiropractic therapy. Surgery and drug treatments are invasive therapies, while chiropractic therapy is non-invasive.

Chiropractic Treatment for CTS

Chiropractic treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome looks at the severity of the symptoms, and addresses the underlying causes. Chiropractic treatment for CTS may begin with some of the following procedures to determine the extent of the CTS:

a physical examination and tests,
diagnostic nerve conductive procedures,
electromyography (EMG),
X-rays, or
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Treatment is aimed at reducing the pain, correcting the condition, and preventing a recurrence of the CTS. There are a variety of chiropractic techniques that your chiropractor would use in treating your CTS.

For more information about carpal tunnel syndrome and our services, or if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. John Collins regarding your health, please call us at 403-243-0111.

Address: Bankers Hall Chiropractic
#135 - 315, 8 Ave. SW,
(on the Main Floor of Bankers Hall)