Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can cause a lot of pain in the hands and wrists. There are non-surgical ways to treat it and exercises people can do at home to alleviate the symptoms.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome and what are some of the causes of it?
Dr. Scott Gardner: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a weakness in the structures that make up the carpal tunnel of the wrist. This will create pressure on a portion of the median nerve, which leads to pain and numbness into the hand and a portion of the middle and ring finger.
Most common causes are overuse with the hands, such as typing, or using a mouse.
What are some signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel?
Dr. Scott Gardner: Some of the signs and symptoms can be pain or numbness radiating into the hand and again, a portion of the ring and middle finger.
How do you know the difference between carpal tunnel, arthritis and tendonitis?
Dr. Scott Gardner: Carpal tunnel will only affect the ring and middle finger, where arthritis and tendonitis can affect the other fingers. There are also specific orthopedic tests that we can do, and if there are still any questions, we can always send the person for an EMG study.
Are there non-surgical treatments available to help correct carpal tunnel syndrome?
Dr. Scott Gardner: Yes, most of the time we can do adjustments to the wrist and hand and teach the individual some strengthening exercises, to strengthen those supporting structures and we can even recommend things like night splints for sleeping.
How can the treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome also benefit a patient’s overall health and wellness?
Dr. Scott Gardner: A lot of the times carpal tunnel syndrome can also have connection with the neck, because that is where the median nerve originates from. So, any time we are providing adjustments to the spine, we are always improving the individual’s overall health and wellness.
Learn More
If you are interested in speaking with Dr. Scott Gardner visit www.gardnerfamilychiro.com or call 973-614-9256 to schedule an appointment.
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