Carpel 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 is CTS?
CTS is problem of the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand. CTS occurs when the median nerve gets compressed in the carpal tunnel — a narrow tunnel at the wrist made up of bones and soft tissues, such as nerves, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. The compression may result in pain, weakness or numbness in the hand and wrist, which radiates up into the forearm. CTS is the most common of the “entrapment neuropathies” – compression or trauma of the body’s nerves in the hands or feet.
What are the symptoms?
Burning, tingling, itching and or numbness in the palm of the hand and thumb, index and middle fingers are most common. Some people with CTS say that their finders 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, they 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, over-activity 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. You doctor of chiropractic (DC) can use other specific test to try to produce the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The most common are:
Pressure-provacative 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 trans-verse carpal ligament.
Laboratory tests and x-rays at which electrical impulses travel across your wrist. CTS will slow the speed of the impulses and will point your DC to this diagnosis.
What is 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.
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 releases the ligament covering the carpal tunnel. He majority of patients recover completely after treatment, and the recurrence rate is low. Proper posture and movement as instructed by your doctor of chiropractic can help prevent CTS recurrences.
Information was provided by Dr. Jeffrey Riker D.C. of Glenmont Chiropractic Office.
