Golf Basic Tips

Introduction

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome falls into the category of neurological conditions called nerve entrapment disorders and is by far the most well-known of these disorders. As the name implies, 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 rests 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 includes the nine tendons of the forearm muscles that are responsible for bending and flexing of the fingers and thumb. Also within the tunnel are arteries and lymphatic vessels that deliver circulation to the hand. Wrist bones form the bottom and sides of the tunnel, while the top is shaped by the transverse carpal ligament, a powerful band of connective tissue. The diameter of the carpal tunnel is about the same as the index finger making the carpal tunnel a jam-packed space. The flexor tendons, arteries and median nerve are expected to glide without friction past each other during wrist and finger movement.

If the tendon size increases from inflammation or hypertrophy (growth), or if the carpal tunnel size shrinks due to  a mechanical dysfunction of the carpal bones, the median nerve can become compressed or entrapped within the carpal tunnel. In the beginning, carpal tunnel symptoms mainly include, pain, numbness, pins and needles, and tinging in the fingers and hand, particularly the thumb and adjacent two fingers.  These symptoms are especially noticeable in the night and often wake people from their sleep as the individual has to sit up in bed and shake-out and/or rub the hands in order decrease these unpleasant feelings.  In addition, activity can cause the hands to feel awkward or weak, and fatigue easily. Over time, the ability to grasp small objects using the thumb and fingers can be affected severely and if left untreated, can lead to total dysfunction of the hand.

Some common 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

Although any of the above can can be a contributing factor to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, in many cases the cause is unknown. Nevertheless, those who work with equipment that vibrates and/or perform their jobs in extreme temperatures often develop carpal tunnel symptoms.  In addition, repetitive housework as seemingly inconsequential as wringing clothes by hand, can bring on carpal tunnel symptoms. By far the most significant reason for the increase of people suffering with CTS is the continuous rise in the use of computers. 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 equipped to deal with this problem and can offer many sufferers with relief.  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, especially 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.

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