Perhaps one of the most infamous conditions in musculoskeletal medicine is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
The carpal tunnel is formed by the wrist bones on the bottom and the transverse carpal ligament over the top. The median nerve runs through the tunnel along with the flexor tendons to the wrist – this is a cramped space! Pressure within the tunnel can compromise (entrap) the nerve and lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. The hallmark of carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness in the thumb, index and middle finger.
The condition is more common in pregnant women, middle aged women, and people with jobs that include daily repetitive hand motions (like typing and using a mouse). The condition is diagnosed by a physical exam, as well as a nerve conduction study (a test that measures the health of the nerves by measuring the speed of nerve conduction). A delay is indicative of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Initial treatment usually consists of a multifaceted approach including stretching and strengthening exercises, nerve/tendon gliding exercises, and addressing other potential causes of nerve entrapment. It’s important to recognize that problems in the cervical spine, shoulder or elbow can cause or contribute to these symptoms. Thus, all of those regions must be evaluated in order to treat the whole condition.
The team at Waverley Central Chiropractic Clinic will be able to properly diagnose your condition by doing a thorough exam. We will then provide treatment to help you get back to living your life the way you want!
