► health & beauty ║ pain relief { 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 <strong>April</strong> <strong>2017</strong> | www.<strong>Atlantic</strong><strong>Ave</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.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 <strong>Atlantic</strong> <strong>Ave</strong>nue, Suite #014 Delray Beach, FL 33444 561-330-6096 www.thecondecenter.com
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