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Carpal Tunnel

Carpal Tunnel

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most expensive of all work-related injuries. Over his or her lifetime, a carpal tunnel patient pays about $30,000 in medical bills and loses hours of productivity from work absences.

CTS typically occurs in adults, with women three times more likely to develop it than men. The dominant hand is usually affected first, and the pain is typically severe. CTS is especially common in assembly-line workers in manufacturing, sewing, finishing, cleaning, meatpacking and similar industries.

What Are the Symptoms?

Burning, tingling, itching and/or numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers are common CTS symptoms. Some people with CTS say that their fingers feel useless and swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent. Since many people sleep with flexed wrists, the symptoms often first appear while sleeping. As symptoms worsen, people may feel tingling during the day. In addition, weakened grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist or grasp small objects. Some people develop wasting of the muscles at the base of the thumb. Some are unable to distinguish hot from cold by touch.

Why Does CTS Develop?

Some people have smaller carpal tunnels than others, which makes the median nerve compression more likely. In others, CTS can develop because of an injury to the wrist that causes swelling, overactivity of the pituitary gland, hypothyroidism, diabetes, inflammatory arthritis, mechanical problems in the wrist joint, poor work ergonomics, repeated use of vibrating hand tools, and fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause.

How Is It Diagnosed?

CTS should be diagnosed and treated early. A standard physical examination of the hands, arms, shoulders and neck can help determine if your symptoms are related to daily activities or to an underlying disorder. Your Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) can use other specific tests to try to produce the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

The most common are:

  • Pressure-provocative test: A cuff placed at the front of the carpal tunnel is inflated, followed by direct pressure on the median nerve.
  • Carpal compression test: Moderate pressure is applied with both thumbs directly on the carpal tunnel and underlying median nerve at the transverse carpal ligament.

Laboratory tests and x-rays can reveal diabetes, arthritis, fractures and other common causes of wrist and hand pain. Sometimes electrodiagnostic tests, such as nerve conduction velocity testing, are used to help confirm the diagnosis.

What Is the Treatment for CTS?

Initial therapy includes:

  • Resting the affected hand and wrist.
  • Avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms.
  • Immobilizing the wrist in a splint to avoid further damage from twisting or bending.
  • Applying cool packs to help reduce swelling from inflammation.

Some medications can help with pain control and inflammation. Studies have shown that vitamin B6 supplements may relieve CTS symptoms.

Some medications can help with pain control and inflammation. Studies have shown that vitamin B6 supplements may relieve CTS symptoms.

Chiropractic joint manipulation and mobilization of the wrist and hand, stretching and strengthening exercises, soft-tissue mobilization techniques, and even yoga can be helpful. Scientists are also investigating other therapies, such as acupuncture, that may help prevent and treat this disorder. Occasionally, patients whose symptoms fail to respond to conservative care may require surgery. The surgeon will release the ligament covering the carpal tunnel. The majority of patients recover completely after treatment, and the recurrence rate is low. Guidance on posture and movement, as instructed by your chiropractor, can also help prevent CTS recurrences.

How Can CTS Be Prevented?

  • Perform on-the-job conditioning, such as stretching and light exercises.
  • Take frequent rest breaks.
  • Wear splints to help keep the wrists straight.
  • Use fingerless gloves to help keep the hands warm and flexible.
  • Use correct posture and wrist position.
  • To minimize workplace injuries, jobs can be rotated among workers. Employers can also develop programs in ergonomics, which is the process of adapting workplace conditions and job demands to workers’ physical capabilities.