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Relieving Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pain Through Chiropractic Care

Hand pain can sometimes seem insignificant when performing various tasks at work or at home. However, did you know that carpal tunnel syndrome (also called carpal canal syndrome) is one of the most common causes of hand irritation in Canada?

Each year, 1 in 1,000 adults undergoes surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. Before reaching that point, we believe it’s important to show you that it is possible to ease and relieve your carpal tunnel syndrome pain through chiropractic care.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Le syndrome du tunnel carpien est une affection qui touche principalement la main, le poignet et le nerf médian.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that primarily affects the hand, wrist, and median nerve.

The carpal tunnel is a space formed by the wrist bones and a rigid ligament that connects these bones. This canal houses the median nerve of the hand, as well as the tendons of the finger flexor muscles.

The median nerve transmits signals that enable the brain to control finger and hand movements. It also sends information from the hand to the brain about temperature, pain, tactile sensations, and controls hand perspiration.

Damage to the median nerve can, therefore, be highly detrimental to anyone who develops carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Most Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are varied, as any action that compresses or irritates the median nerve can lead to the condition.

One of the main causes of carpal tunnel syndrome is overuse of the fingers and hands (repetitive movements), particularly in professional or recreational settings. Poor posture while using a computer, leading to excessive extension or flexion, can also contribute to median nerve compression, often responsible for the syndrome’s development.

Compression can also be caused by:

  • Misalignment of the carpal bones
  • A poorly healed fracture
  • The presence of a ganglion cyst
  • Water retention side effects
  • Diabetes
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Pregnancy

The Most Common Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

When compressed, the median nerve causes numbness and tingling in the hand, resulting in pain and a loss of dexterity.

The primary symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are:

  • Tingling sensations
  • Numbness
  • Loss of hand strength
  • Pain
  • Atrophy of hand muscles

Who Can Be Affected by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome primarily affects individuals in manual labor jobs, such as:

  • Hairdressers
  • Tailors and seamstresses
  • Writers
  • Office workers
  • Truck drivers
  • And many others

Also, pregnant women are particularly susceptible to this syndrome due to hormonal changes and water retention, which can contribute to compression of the median nerve.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is associated with conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and arthritis. In such cases, treating the underlying condition is essential.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help Relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pain?

Chiropractic care is a healthcare profession focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neuromusculoskeletal disorders. It can help alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome by addressing the root cause and creating more space within the carpal tunnel.

A chiropractor works to restore the biomechanics of the wrist bones and correct the function of adjacent joints, such as the elbow, shoulder, and spine. Additionally, they promote relaxation of the soft tissues in the wrist, which helps relieve compression of the nerve causing the irritation.

Chiropractic Techniques to Relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Recommended chiropractic care for carpal tunnel syndrome includes a combination of chiropractic adjustments to the joints of the upper limbs and spine. It may also involve muscle therapies, exercises, and complementary approaches.

The effectiveness of manual therapies in treating carpal tunnel syndrome is increasingly recognized. Chiropractic care addresses the root cause of the issue in a safe and non-invasive manner.

Chiropractors focus on all aspects of the body, including the neurological, joint, and muscular systems. Chiropractic adjustments restore joint movement and optimize nervous system function, facilitating communication between the body and brain. This enhances the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Exercises to Help Relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Here are three exercises you can perform at home to alleviate the pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome:

#1 – Flexor Muscle Stretch

  • Fully extend the arm on the affected side.
  • Using your opposite hand, gently pull the hand of the extended arm toward you.
  • Hold this position for 30 seconds.
  • Take a one-minute break.
  • Repeat the stretch for another 30 seconds

Perform this exercise 2 to 3 times a day.

#2 – Wrist Stretch

  • Place your arms on a flat surface with your hands pressed together.
  • Lower your hands as far down as possible.
  • Hold this position for 15 seconds.
  • Take a 15-second break, during which you can move your hands to avoid potential numbness.
  • Repeat this stretch for a total of 4 times.

You can perform this exercise 2 to 3 times a day.

#3 – Hand Extensor Strengthening

  • Wrap a large elastic band around your fingers.
  • Push against the elastic by opening your hand as wide as possible.
  • Slowly return to the starting position.
  • Perform a total of 20 repetitions.

You can do this exercise 2 to 3 times a day.

Preventing, Treating, and Relieving Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pain

Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause various short- and long-term complications for your body. It affects approximately 11% of women and 3.5% of men. Additionally, about 40% of individuals who underwent surgery for this syndrome had never received prior treatment aimed at reducing their pain.

It is strongly recommended to explore conservative treatments before considering surgery. Our chiropractors have the knowledge and expertise to help you find solutions tailored to your needs.

Feel free to contact us with any questions or to obtain additional information about carpal tunnel syndrome.

Dr. Émilie Gaudreau, Chiropractor
Dr. Patrick Gaudreau, Chiropractor

 

 

Sources consulted as of December 5, 2024

Association des chiropraticiens du Québec. (2024). Le syndrome du tunnel carpien. Repéré à : La chiropratique pour vos douleurs – Le syndrome du tunnel carpien.

Centre canadien d’hygiène et de sécurité au travail. (2024). Maladies et lésion : syndrome du canal carpien. Repéré à : CCHST : Syndrome du canal carpien.

Desbiens, M. (2024). 5 exercices super faciles pour un syndrome du tunnel carpien. Repéré à : Exercices pour le syndrome du tunnel carpien.

MonChiro.ca. (2024). Syndrome du canal carpien : peut-on éviter la chirurgie ? Repéré à : Syndrome du canal carpien : peut-on éviter la chirurgie ? – MonChiro.ca – Votre chiropraticien au Québec – On s’occupe de vous !.

Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec. (2024). Qu’est-ce que la chiropratique ? Repéré à : Qu’est-ce que la chiropratique ? – Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec.

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