Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Essay

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Are you experiencing pain, tingling or numbness in the hand and arm? It could be caused by the median nerve that travels through the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage of bone and connective in the wrist that houses the median nerve and nine tendons that help to bend the fingers and thumb. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the passage way narrows and places pressure on the median nerve. What Are the Risk Factors Associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? The most common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive hand movements. Moving the wrist and hands in the same motion over a long period of time can irritate the tendons in the area and cause them to become inflamed. Common repetitive motions that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome …show more content…

(http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00005) In addition to this, heredity may also increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Finally, certain health conditions, including thyroid issues, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes can increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Typically, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome develop gradually. In the beginning, the symptoms may come and go; however, as carpal tunnel worsens, the symptoms will appear more frequently or continue for longer periods of time. Additionally, symptoms can occur at night and wake you up from sleep. This is because most people sleep with their wrists flexed. Another common thing that happens when you sleep and your hand is lying flat is fluid accumulation. When fluid accumulates in the wrist and hands, inflammation can occur. Symptoms throughout the day can occur when an object like a book or phone is held for an extended period of time. The symptoms associated with carpal tunnel include: • Burning, tingling, pain or numbness in the thumb, ring, middle and index …show more content…

By treating these conditions, the symptoms of carpal tunnel may be decreased or eliminated. • Chiropractic Care – Chiropractic care can be used to correct problematic wrist and hand injuries, including carpal tunnel. This treatment involves correcting misalignments of the upper spine to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. • Ultrasound Therapy – Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to relax the muscles and reduce pain and inflammation in the affected joint. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel becomes compressed. The American College of Rheumatology (https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome) reports that between 4 and 10 million Americans experience carpal tunnel syndrome. Females are three times more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men. Carpal tunnel syndrome can typically be treated with non-surgical methods, including splinting, ultrasound, medications, modifications, rest, ice and chiropractic

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