FAQs about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

At PMR, we often treat patients complaining of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. But how do you know if carpal tunnel syndrome is the true culprit? And if you do have this common, treatable condition, you’re probably wondering what caused it—and what make you can do to make your symptoms go away for good.

Understanding these common concerns, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a passageway leading from the wrist to the hand that protects the median nerve, which is connected to the thumb and fingers (except for the pinky, or little finger). Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is pinched or irritated, and can lead to a host of problems, mostly related to sensation in the hand.

What are the symptoms?

The median nerve is essential to sensation and movement in your hand, and that’s where you’ll notice the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The most common symptoms are numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. Symptoms can range from mild to more serious.

What Causes It?

There are many possible causes of carpal tunnel syndrome. Anything that causes inflammation or swelling in the wrist area can be a factor, as it may lead to pinching or compression of the median nerve. In some cases, carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by another condition, such as arthritis or diabetes. It may occur during pregnancy. It may also be related to certain repetitive or unnatural hand movements (possibly brought on by regular computer use) or a combination of factors.

Can it be Prevented?

To some degree, yes, but there’s no one-hundred-percent certain way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. Maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle with holistic practices will help, as will proper ergonomics in the workplace. For more information on carpal tunnel syndrome prevention, contact a specialist at PMR.

How Can it be Treated?

The treatments applied to carpal tunnel syndrome will depend on the severity of your symptoms. In mild cases, changes in movements or simple treatments, such as icing of the wrist, may be enough. In rare cases, surgery may be an option. However, we can treat most people with holistic, chiropractic alternatives. As always, our treatments are comprehensive and focus on underlying causes.

For more information on carpal tunnel syndrome, including treatments and possible contributing factors, contact us at PMR today!