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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.
Ventura Neck Pain Sufferers Helped by Ventura Chiropractors
Posted by: | CommentsVentura neck pain sufferers:
Ventura chiropractic doctors all want you to ask yourself this question before reading further; Do I have neck pain or a neck injury? All people who have experienced a head injury, whiplash, sports injury, migraines, neck spasms, herniated discs, TMJ pain or fibromyalgia know the severity of cervical pain associated with a serious neck condition. If you do not have a condition but find your life plagued by what seems to be chronic neck pain, there is hope. The following types of neck pain and their causes can easily be pin pointed; upper neck pain, lower neck pain, left neck pain, right neck pain, ear neck pain and head neck pain. Address your posture. Do you sit up when you watch T.V. or are at your desk at work? Is your computer monitor in front of you when you work? Is your neck supported properly when you sleep? Are you stressed or tense when you generally experience neck pain? These are all questions that can quickly target most problems. Most neck pain symptoms people suffer from are a directly result of tension. According to any Ventura chiropractor, sometimes just realizing you are tense and taking a few deep breathes can relieve your symptoms. Neck treatment for injuries, like a pinched nerve for example should be advised from a professional, but if you simply slept strangely and awoke with a sore left neck, do some stretching, relax and the neck will fix itself. Remember the cervical spine is one of the most amazing and resilient parts of the human body. So, hold your head up high, respect your neck, take a couple deep breathes and get rid of that unneeded nagging neck pain.