Archive for July, 2009
Carpal Tunnel Pain and Chiropractic Treatment
Posted by: | CommentsIntroduction
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome falls into the category of neurological conditions labeled nerve entrapment disorders and is clearly the most well-known of these disorders. As the name infers, these conditions take place when a nerve is trapped or constricted between other tissues of the body causing irritation and dysfunction of the nerve.
Anatomy
The carpal tunnel is positioned in the underside of the wrist and is a passageway in which the median nerve travels through on its way to innervate the hand and fingers. Along with the median nerve, the carpal tunnel includes the nine tendons of the forearm muscles that are responsible for bending and flexing of the fingers and thumb. There are also arteries and lymphatic vessels that furnish circulation to the hand located within the tunnel. The bottom and sides of this tunnel are formed by wrist bones and the top of the tunnel is covered by a sinewy band of connective tissue called the transverse carpal ligament. The diameter of the carpal tunnel is about the same as the index finger making the carpal tunnel an intensely-packed space. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are intended to glide smoothly past each other during wrist and finger movement.
If the tendon size increases from inflammation or hypertrophy (growth), or if the carpal tunnel size shrinks due to an improper use of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become compressed or entrapped by the carpal tunnel. Initially, carpal tunnel symptoms mainly include, pain, numbness, pins and needles, and tinging in the fingers and hand, particularly the thumb and adjacent two fingers. The symptoms are markedly apparent at night, often awakening the sufferer from sleep and making it necessary for the person to “shake out” or rub the hands in an attempt to relieve the unpleasant sensations. In addition, activity can cause the hands to feel clumsy or weak, and fatigue easily. Eventually, grasping small objects using the thumb and fingers can be seriously affected and, without treatment, can result in complete debilitation of the hand.
The following are typical causes and corresponding conditions:
- repetitive and forceful grasping with the hands
- prolonged computer usage especially with poor wrist position
- activities that require repetitive bending of the wrist
- broken or dislocated bones in the wrist which produce swelling
- arthritis, especially the rheumatoid type
- thyroid gland imbalance
- sugar diabetes
- hormonal changes associated with menopause or pregnancy
Although any of the above can predispose one to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, in many cases the cause is unknown. Nevertheless, those who work with equipment that vibrates and/or perform their jobs in extreme temperatures often develop carpal tunnel symptoms. Even household activities as simple as repetitive wringing clothes by hand can help cause this syndrome. By far the most significant reason for the increase of people suffering with CTS is the continuous rise in the use of computers. This is becoming a major concern in the developed world where people of all ages are spending much of their time typing on a keyboard & clicking on a mouse.
Treatment
Proper diagnosis and management of this condition is essential in order to curtail the disabling symptoms associated with the advancement of CTS. Your Ventura Chiropractor has many years of experience in this area. Chiropractors are well-trained in treating CTS. Treatment by chiropractor can include ultrasound or low level laser to help reduce inflammation, electro therapy to strengthen weak muscles of the forearm, soft tissue massage to stretch contracted tissues and, of course, adjustments of the dysfunctional joints of the wrist. Your chiropractor may suggest that you wear a splint or support, especially at night, to help retain the wrist in a neutral position to decompress the carpal tunnel. Your Ventura Chiropractor will also give you specific exercises to stretch and/or strengthen muscles of the forearm and hand.
Chiropractic and Shoulder Pain Relief
Posted by: | CommentsTampa Chiropractor: Most Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
The achievement of many different motions and activities is the result of the complexity of the shoulder joint. The shoulder bones, i.e., the scapula, clavicle and humerus, are fastened together by ligaments and nearly 20 different muscles. The primary articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is joined by ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) known as the rotator cuff. Problems with the rotator cuff are everyday causes of shoulder pain and disability. Sports injuries, mechanical dysfunctions from muscle imbalances, or wear and tear of the tissues around the joint are often the causes of shoulder problems. Arthritic changes do happen in the shoulder joint, though not as commonly as in the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees.
Anatomy
The nerves in the cervical spine region animate all of the muscles of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand and can often pinpoint the origin of the shoulder problem. If these nerves are aggravated, the shoulder muscles can become tight or weak causing dysfunction in the conventional mechanics of the joint, principally in the rotator cuff. A similar situation can occur if one overworks the shoulder causing sports injuries, or in other repetitive activities that cause the muscles of the joint to become overly tight or strained. People are at risk of developing imbalance and shoulder problems if they sit too often in a slouched position, or with their shoulders held forward.
Rotator Cuff Syndrome
Pain and constricted motion will continue to occur until the imbalances and aggravation are rectified. The severity can vary from a slight “catching” or pain to an almost entire inability to use the shoulder. patients of all ages are afflicted by this painful predicament known as Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome.
Frozen Shoulder
“Frozen shoulder” is another common predicament.Extreme aggravation of the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint can cause adhesions to develop practically sticking the joint together, thus producing incapacitation the shoulder. This results in intense pain, as well as limitation of shoulder motion that makes even dressing oneself difficult! Attention from a professional, such as your Tampa chiropractor is crucial because if left unattended, frozen shoulder could take several years to clear up if it heals at all. The ailments mentioned above are the most prevalent of all shoulder disorders.
Treatment
Most shoulder treatments are relatively the same. Muscle imbalances can be fixed with chiropractic treatment that includes soft tissue mobilization modalities to restore proper mobility to the shoulder joints and to correct any subluxations in the spine. Special rehabilitation exercises recommended by your Tampa chiropractor are also vital for a completeand quick recovery.