Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

You won’t find the carpal tunnel on any map-its in your wrist. Your carpal (wrist) bones form a tunnel like structure-the carpal tunnel- through which pass nine tendons and one nerve-the median nerve. CTS occurs when the median nerve is irritated.   

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome 

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a similar condition caused by compression or irritation of the nerves that form the brachial plexus in the upper back as they exit the neck.  The symptoms include pain, weakness, and numbness, and tingling in the arm.  Interestingly, some researchers believe that the hips and lower spine play a role in the cause while others feel an abnormal thoracic curve is the cause. 

The Chiropractic Approach 

Since most people who do repetitive tasks do not get CTS there appears to be contributing factor to this condition,  In many people it may be the health of the spine and that is why anyone suffering from CTS should see a chiropractor to ensure that his/her spinal column is properly aligned and free from nerve pressure. 

How Does Your Spine Affect Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Vertebral subluxations have been observed in many patients who have carpal tunnel or related hand or wrist problems.  In fact nerve compression in the neck can block the flow of nutrients to the nerves in the arm, shoulder, wrist and related areas, and make them more susceptible to injury.  Not surprisingly, when 1,000 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome were investigated it was found that a large number of those suffering from CTS also had neck arthritis. 

Conclusion 

Anyone suffering from CTS should see a chiropractor to ensure that their spine is free of spinal nerve stress.  Not as a treatment per se for CTS but as a way of rebalancing the spine and removing structural stress from the nervous system.  A chiropractic spinal adjustment may make the difference.  It has for millions of people since its discovery in 1895.  Can chiropractic make the difference for you?