Dr. Mike of Tannenbaum Chiropractic, LLC, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, presents another blog post: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The dreaded words – carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We've all known someone who's had it. Possibly surgery helped get rid of it. However, for many, surgery makes it better for a while, but it then returns. Maybe there is a better way than surgery? My experience suggests that one of the best ways to get rid of CTS is to be treated for through chiropractic, but with one caveat or warning. That is, that the effectiveness of the chiropractic treatment increases the earlier the carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed and treated. This is because the longer one has CTS, the more likely one will have permanent nerve damage. Chiropractors use a non-invasive, non-surgical and non pharmacological (non medication) treatment for CTS.

Symptoms of CTS include: Pain, numbness, burning, tingling, “pins and needles,” muscle weakness, muscles spasm and decrease in muscle mass in the hands, fingers and wrists. CTS symptoms are more likely to occur at night. CTS is rarely seen in children, women are most likely to get CTS, and pregnancy increases the likelihood of CTS. Also, those with diabetes and those who are obese are more likely to get CTS.

Types of activities that increase the likely of getting CTS: Jobs that use a lot of repetitive stress type movements with hands and wrists, such as those jobs that require a lot of time spent using a computer keyboard, assembly line work and janitorial work. Also, spending a lot of time playing sports that require the use of a racket increases the chance of getting CTS.

In general, when treating CTS, chiropractors will use chiropractic adjustments, bracing, stretches and cold therapy. Again, chiropractic treatment is more effective the earlier CTS is detected as the longer one has had CTS, the more likely that there will be permanent nerve damage, which chiropractic cannot effectively treat.

If you have any questions about this blog post, chiropractic, back pain, neck pain, or headaches I can be contacted at [email protected].