Monday, January 18, 2016

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Truth about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful and debilitating hand condition.  Sadly, it affects many people who use their hands repetitively or strenuously.

Do you have pain, tingling, numbness or burning sensations in your thumb and first three fingers?  Do you ever lose your ability to grip, pick things up, or control hand motions that require fine detail?  Carpal tunnel syndrome can cost people their jobs, hobbies, peace of mind and quality of daily living, not to mention hundreds and even thousands of dollars in lost wages.

CTSIf you have been diagnosed with CTS or suffer from one or more of those hand symptoms, please call our office to get checked out.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway located within the wrist. There are 8 tiny bones in the wrist arranged in a curved, horseshoe shape. Those 8 bones form 3 sides of the carpal tunnel and the 4th side is from the transverse carpal ligament that overlaps the tunnel. There is a large nerve (the median nerve) that runs through the tunnel. There are also 9 tendons that pass through the carpal tunnel. Due to repetitive movements these tiny carpal (wrist) bones can lose their healthy alignment causing them to collapse inward, pressing on the median nerve. As a result the median nerve becomes flattened and pinched leading to the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

One of the most popular ways to treat CTS is to have surgery. The surgeon will cut the ligament in an attempt to provide space for the median nerve and to relieve pressure. Unfortunately by cutting the ligament, the shape of the tunnel loses its healthy integrity as it flattens out slightly. This will often lead to wrist instability.

Patients may experience short-term relief following surgery, but over time their carpal tunnel can develop scar tissue from the surgery, and as a result they may encounter a return of symptoms in many cases. In fact post-surgical symptoms can be more severe than before having the surgery.

The most effective way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome is through specific gentle adjustments to the misaligned carpal bones. As opposed to being a painful process most patients report the adjustment as a pleasant experience. Unlike with surgery, there is absolutely no scar tissue related to this gentle carpal adjusting process.

Because of our unique focus on treating wrist and hand conditions we have helped many patients who suffered from conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.


Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.


Scott Chiropractic and Wellness
Matthew Scott, DC
5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 540-5445

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