Ventura Chiropractor

Introduction

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome falls into the category of neurological conditions referred to as nerve entrapment disorders and is clearly the most prevalent of these disorders. As the name infers, these conditions come about when a nerve is trapped or constricted between other tissues of the body causing irritation and dysfunction of the nerve.

Anatomy

The carpal tunnel is embedded within the underside of the wrist. It is a tunnel, or passage, through which the Median nerve travels on its way to energize and animate the hand and fingers. In addition to the median nerve, the carpal tunnel is comprised of the nine tendons of the forearm muscles that are responsible for bending and flexing of the fingers and thumb. There are also arteries and lymphatic vessels that supply circulation to the hand located within the tunnel. The bottom and sides of this tunnel are formed by wrist bones and the top of the tunnel is covered by a strong band of connective tissue called the transverse carpal ligament. The carpal tunnel is a densely-packed space about the size of an index finger. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are designed to glide easily past each other during wrist and finger movement.

If the size of the tendon enlarges due to irritation or overuse, or if the carpal tunnel size dimenishes due to  a mechanical dysfunction of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become constricted or entrapped by the carpal tunnel. The initial symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually include pain, numbness, paraesthesia (pins and needles) and tingling in the fingers and hands especially the thumb and adjacent two fingers.  The symptoms are markedly apparent at night, often awakening the sufferer from sleep and making it necessary for the person to "shake out" or rub the hands in an attempt to relieve the unpleasant sensations.  In addition, activity can cause the hands to feel awkward or weak, and fatigue easily. Over time, the ability to hold small objects using the thumb and fingers can be affected dramatically and if left untreated, can lead to total dysfunction of the hand.

Some accepted causes and associated conditions are:

• repetitive and forceful grasping with the hands

• prolonged computer usage especially with poor wrist position

• activities that require repetitive bending of the wrist

• broken or dislocated bones in the wrist which produce swelling

• arthritis, especially the rheumatoid type

• thyroid gland imbalance

• sugar diabetes

• hormonal changes associated with menopause or pregnancy

Though any of the causes and conditions listed can be instrumental in contributing to the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, often the actual root cannot be found. However, people who perform jobs that require use of vibration tools and machinery, and/or work in extreme temperatures are often subjected to this condition.  In addition, repetitive housework as seemingly inconsequential as wringing clothes by hand, can bring on carpal tunnel symptoms. However, the continuing increase in computer use is the most compelling explanation for the number of individuals who are suffering with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome today. This is becoming a major concern in the developed world where people of all ages are spending much of their time typing on a keyboard & clicking on a mouse.

Treatment

Proper diagnosis and management of this condition is essential in order to curtail the disabling symptoms associated with the advancement of CTS. Your Ventura Chiropractor has many years of experience in this area. Chiropractors are well-trained in treating CTS.  In addition to chiropractic adjustments of the wrist joints, treatment by chiropractor may include inflammation reduction therapy such as ultrasound or low level laser. Electromusclestim can often help to strengthen the weak muscles of the forearm and soft tissue massage is effective in stretching contracted tissues. You might be advised to wear a splint or support, particularly at night, to aid in the decompression of the carpal tunnel. Your Ventura Chiropractor will also give you specific exercises to stretch and/or strengthen muscles of the forearm and hand.

Does it Hurt to Get Adjusted

Sports injuries, nowadays are not just limited to professional athletes or young people who participate in school sports programs. Now, more than ever, men and women of all ages participate in regular sports and fitness activities. As a whole, most people very active in sports like golf and tennis, and/or other healthy activities like running, aerobic classes, and weight training. Regrettably, risk of injury is certainly a possibility with any sports activity.

Nearly all injuries can be broken down into two basic types: injury from trauma such as a slip, fall or collision, and injury as a consequence of overuse or repetitive stress.

Traumatic Injuries

These injuries produce the debilitating damage often associated with trauma. A high percentage of traumatic injuries are to the ligaments, the tissue that connects bone to bone, and to body muscles, but fractures and dislocations do occur at times, especially with contact sports. Trauma to a ligament is called a sprain, while trauma to a muscle or its tendon is a strain.  The most common parts of the body for these kinds of injuries are the ankles, knees, and shoulders, but other areas can be affected including the low back and neck. Injuries to the neck and low back can be very serious as the spinal cord or spinal nerves can also be affected.

Traumatic injuries can vary from a mild "muscle pull" or ankle twist to a serious problem needing surgery. The enormity of the injury depends upon several factors, such as the degree of tearing of the tissues, the region of the injury, and the age of the person. Some amount of swelling occurs with almost all sprains and strains. But, with certain injuries, especially those of the ankle and knee, there can be some internal bleeding as well. With all strains and sprains proper management is crucial, especially during the initial stages of the injury to assure complete healing and protect against future disability. Attention from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly advisable.

If you've sustained an injury, the best course of action is to see a professional. Until assistance is attainable, remember the acronym, PRICE:
P    Protect injury from further damage
R    Rest the injury
I     Ice injury to reduce swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C    Compress injury with a specifically designed or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E    Elevate the injury, expressly when the damage is to ankles and knees

As already mentioned, appropriate diagnosis and treatment are crucial to a total recovery. A chiropractor can determine the degree of your injury and start proper recovery treatment. When proper treatment is supplied during the various stages of healing, nearly all individuals who have experienced sprain and strain injuries will recover. If not carefully monitored and treated, a sprain or strain injury can effectuate long-standing joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. A chiropractor that is trained in the management of sports injuries can offer the proper advice and care you'll need to insure that your injury will recoverl in the best possible way. If you have sustained a traumatic injury, call your Santa Barbara chiropractor.

Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries

Sports such as golf, tennis, and bowling, as well as any other activity that demands the same actions over and over are prevalent reasons for repetitive stress injuries. An activity as uncomplex and healthy as running, particularly on a treadmill, can also be a factor.

Essentially, overuse or repetitive stress injuries happen when an individual is performs a repetitious activity that creates a very small strain to tissues, especially tendons and muscles, that alone would not cause a problem, but performed many times has an accumulative effect.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most widespread kinds of overuse injuries. Eventually the muscle or other affected tissue undergoes changes that no longer let it to function properly, resulting in pain, stiffness and disability. There are two categories of factors that predispose a person to these types of problems:  1) Intrinsic, i.e., found within a person's own body, and 2) Extrinsic, i.e., external factors that can generally be changed or controlled by the person.

Some of the most widespread intrinsic factors for injury

Age is the mostwell-established intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that man or woman to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. A number of people are born with joint or muscle problems. And, ultimately, previous injuries are a factor as they generally prohibit the joints or muscles from functioning correctly.

Extrinsic factors for injury

There are plenty of extrinsic injury factors.  An inappropriate grip size of a tennis racket, worn-out running shoes, an uneven treadmill surface, or a too-hard surface for soccer are all examples of insufficient sports equipment that can create problems. Incorrect technique in any sport, such as an incorrect golf grip is, as the saying goes, an injury waiting to happen Another factor is poor conditioning. Quite a few individuals are injured because they are out of shape. Increased frequency or lengthly duration of an activity, without developing slowly, can cause the circumstances for injury. Insufficient flexibility can produce injury if an individual is too stiff to do an activity safely. Lack of warm-up, like stretching and appropriate preparation, is a common factor in injuries.  And, finally, and maybe surprising to some, stress is a factor. Muscles that are tense and inflexible due to stress are too tight and, therefore, unprepared for most sports activities.

It is very helpful to remember that almost all factors are extrinsic and, consequently, they are factors that can be individually managed. Before embarking on a new sport, or as a way to ward off injury in a current sport, it's smart to get an assessment of your general body condition. If you've been injured, it is crucial to seek out a qualified professional, like a chiropractor, to diagnose the nature of the injury and design a plan of therapy. If left untreated, sports injuries can greatly affect a person's life and limit a favorite activity. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is often needed to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is a good source of help. Call a chiropractor if you're either thinking of beginning a new activity, you're feeling pain related to a current sports activity, or you've sustained a sports injury. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.