Surgical procedures seem to be the means of dealing with the problem by the majority of the people; however, with the cost of a single procedure ranging anywhere from $6,000 to $11,000, more people are looking for a conservative approach. Our team from a Fort Worth chiropractic clinic has some general carpal tunnel information as well as information on alternative options for treatment.
CARPAL TUNNEL IN Fort Worth
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a localized form of peripheral neuropathy that affects hands. The median nerve, along with tendons and ligaments, runs from the inner forearm to the hand through an area on the wrist called the carpal tunnel. If tendons and ligaments in the carpal tunnel become swollen or inflamed, they press against the median nerve, resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel is considered as a potential condition for any patient that comes into our office experiencing a form of wrist pain. Many people find it difficult to pick up a small object. It is not uncommon for people to think there is swelling in their hand even when no swelling is present.
Repetitive hand movement required by daily work tasks can lead to carpal tunnel. The condition is common among people who use computers all day or work on an assembly line. In addition, those who work consistently with their hands, including carpenters, mechanics, and musicians, may suffer symptoms. Individuals who have health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or high blood pressure have also been shown to be at increased risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Sometimes, pain and numbing sensations in the wrist and hand come from an unexpected source. Compression in the upper spine and neck can put pressure on nerves, causing radiating pain, numbness, and tingling. In these cases, targeted chiropractic care can often effectively manage the condition.
The dominant hand is usually the first site of pain when someone begins to develop carpal tunnel; however, this can depend on the activity of the person. Seeing symptoms in both hands is not unusual. It is unfortunate that in a lot of cases the site of the issue goes untreated as the focus is put on where the pain is occurring. Nerve irritation in both arms can stem from the spine and is seen in many carpal tunnel situations. This is the exact reason as to why a large proportion (40%) of surgeries to resolve carpal tunnel are ineffective. It is also worthy to note that carpal tunnel is 3 times more prevalent in women just based on the size of the tunnel itself.
- Pain, tingling, and numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers
- Tenderness in the wrist or forearm
- Increased discomfort at night, with sleep disturbances
- Weakness in the thumb and hand
- Difficulty gripping objects firmly
In addition to discomfort, carpal tunnel syndrome can effect joint mobility, causing decreased range of motion and impaired motor function. To avoid permanent damage, it is important to treat carpal tunnel syndrome in a timely fashion.
If you have carpal tunnel syndrome because of repetitive job tasks, you may have a workers’ compensation claim. Our office offers work injury treatment and can provide a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) for your insurer. We treat a number of work-related conditions and can provide referrals for legal help with your workers’ compensation claim, if needed.
WHAT ARE THE BEST TREATMENTS AVAILABLE?
At Texas Injury Clinic, we offer several treatment options to help relieve carpal tunnel symptoms. During your first visit, you will meet with our team for a personalized consultation. We can conduct a thorough examination and take digital images if needed. Using this information, your doctor can identify the source of your symptoms and provide effective, targeted treatment recommendations.
Our chiropractors can perform physical and occupational hand therapy, including manipulation, connective tissue massage, cryotherapy, and trigger point therapy. There are many trigger points that can produce symptoms similar to those of carpal tunnel, including referred pain from the wrist flexors and extensor, the triceps, and the scalene and trapezius muscles.
In some cases, chiropractic adjustments, as well as spinal decompression, can provide relief from symptoms. Dr. Mark Williams and his team can also prescribe at-home rehabilitative techniques, including stretching and gripping exercises, to help restore mobility and strength.
In many cases, we recommend class IV laser therapy. This method utilizes therapeutic laser light to help accelerate the healing process. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including carpal tunnel. This treatment is cleared by the FDA, totally safe, non-invasive, painless, and has no side effects. Most patients report seeing positive results in just one day.
Learn more about Laser Therapy HERE.
Published study available HERE.
Texas Injury Clinic has helped many patients with carpal tunnel syndrome find nonsurgical relief from pain and disability. Our treatment team includes bilingual doctors for Spanish-speaking patients. For prompt attention, please call us at (817) 624-7222 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.