Atlantic Ave Magazine - April 2017

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health & beauty ║ pain relief
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
A Helping Hand to Overcome the Pain
By Dr. John Conde
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is part of a group of disorders called
“compression neuropathies” which causes pain and weakness in the hand
and wrist. The symptoms of CTS can range from mild to incapacitating.
According to a report from the Bureau
of Labor Statistics, carpal tunnel syndrome
was associated with the second longest average
time away from work (27 days) among
the major disabling diseases and illnesses in
all private industries.
The carpal tunnel is a passageway that
forms beneath the strong, broad transverse
ligament. This ligament is a bridge that
extends across the lower palm and connects
the bones of the wrist (carpals) that
form an arch below the tunnel. The median
nerve and nine flexor tendons pass under
the ligament bridge and through the carpal
tunnel. The median nerve plays two important
roles: It supplies sensation to the palm
side of the thumb, index, middle, and ring
fingers, and to the flexor tendons. It provides
function for the muscles at the base
of the thumb (the thenar muscle).
In general, carpal tunnel syndrome develops
when the tissues around the median
nerve swell and press on the nerve. Early
in the disorder, the process is reversible.
Over time, however, the insulation
on the nerves may
wear away, and permanent
nerve damage may
develop. The symptoms
from the compression
are pain,
numbness, tingling,
burning, cramping,
weakness or atrophy
in the wrist, hand, and
fingers, clumsiness or
dropping things frequently.
Only the little finger is unaffected
by the median nerve.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is considered
an inflammatory disorder
52 April 2017 | www.AtlanticAveMagazine.com
caused by repetitive stress, physical injury,
or a medical condition. Workers who
use their hands and wrists repetitively are
at risk for CTS such as computer workers
and typists. It occurs in females three
times more than males. Other risk factors
include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, alcohol
abuse, or significant mental stress.
CTS sometimes runs in families, which
suggests that it has some type of genetic
origin. When people who are susceptible
to CTS are subjected to repetitive hand or
wrist work, the risk for CTS can become
significant. CTS, then, is very likely to be
due to a combination of factors that lead
to nerve damage in the hand.
The goals in treating CTS are to reduce
inflammation, break up fibrotic adhesions
(scar tissue), and restore proper
joint motion thus reducing stress on the
median nerve. This involves some simple
procedures including Instrument Assisted
Soft Tissue Mobilization Therapy
that utilizes mild stainless instruments
which aid in breaking up existing
scar tissue, remodel the soft tissue within
and realign new collagen fibers. New cutting
edge procedures involve the use of
high power class IV lasers that accelerate
energy production and tissue healing
by nearly tenfold. Performing Neurological
Muscular Rehabilitation and “nerve
flossing” can also retrain the nerve pathways
to prevent excessive tone in the region.
Simple tips to help with CTS include
heat, splinting, nutritional support including
B6 and joint support, proper posturing
and changing up work stations to
have proper ergonomics to reduce stress
on the wrists.
As surgery is not always a cure for CTS,
many practitioners now recommend a full
trial of conservative treatment before going
under the knife.
The Conde Center For
Chiropractic Neurology
401 West Atlantic Avenue, Suite #014
Delray Beach, FL 33444
561-330-6096
www.thecondecenter.com