Carpal Tunnel Treatment in Maryland
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Compression on the median nerve as it travels through the wrist through a narrow space known as the Carpal Tunnel. This is one of the most common entrapment sites of nerves in the body.
Compression of the nerve normally comes from inflammation of the tendons, which can thicken and compress the median nerve, leading to numbness, tingling or weakness in the hand.
Carpal Tunnel Treatment
- How we handle Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Targeted soft tissue to the tendons/ligaments of the carpal tunnel
- Decompression through manipulation of the joints creating the tunnel
- Stretching and strengthening of muscles
- Nerve flossing and ergonomic evaluation to reduce strain/compression through the wrist
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Be aware of common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome so you can seek carpal tunnel treatment early. Any wrist pain or persistent hand and wrist pain should be met with a consult to assess the injury.
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers
- Pain in the wrist, palm, or forearm
- Weakness in the hand and difficulty gripping objects
- A sensation of swelling in the fingers, even if no swelling is present
Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Most patients seeking carpal tunnel syndrome noticed the injury after long periods of time spent on the computer. However, carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by almost any activity that has repitive motion or strain of the wrist.
Being aware of common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome can help you prevent injury or seek carpal tunnel treatment early before the injury worsens.
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements
- Wrist injuries or fractures
- Arthritis or inflammation
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Hereditary predisposition
Carpal Tunnel Treatment in Columbia, MD
At Elite Chiropractic and Sport, we focus on holistic modalities to help treat carpal tunnel syndrome in Columbia, MD. This means manual therapies that target the injury instead of pain medications or surgeries.
Our chiropractors and physical therapists will assess the extent of the carpal tunnel injury and provide personalized carpal tunnel treatments based on your pain, injury, and daily activities and habits.
You may be advised to rest and avoid activities that aggravate the symptoms. We’ll suggest you apply ice to reduce inflammation and pain as needed. In some cases, to keep the wrist in a neutral position, especially at night, we may recommend a wrist splint.
Carpal tunnel treatment may also include the use of NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation, manual adjustments to improve alignment and function of the wrist, elbow, and cervical spine, and soft tissue therapy such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy to relieve muscle tension and reduce pain.
Your treatment plan for carpal tunnel syndrome in Columbia will also include guidance on proper posture and workstation setup to reduce strain on the wrists and stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and strength in the wrist and hand for long-term mobility and safety.
Carpal Tunnel Frequently Asked Questions
Chiropractors can help with carpal tunnel treatment by performing adjustments to the wrist, elbow, and cervical spine to relieve pressure on the median nerve. We may use soft tissue techniques to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation. Your physical therapy will include ergonomic and lifestyle advice to prevent recurrence and manage symptoms.
Recovery time for carpal tunnel syndrome can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. Mild cases may improve within weeks with conservative treatment, while more severe cases may take several months. Consistent treatment and adherence to ergonomic advice can significantly improve recovery outcomes.
At the discretion of your doctor, you may be advised some physical therapy exercises to aid in carpal tunnel treatment. This could include a wrist flexor stretch, where you extend your arm with the palm facing up and gently pull back on the fingers with the other hand.
Similarily, a wrist extensor stretch that extends your arm with the palm facing down and gently pull back on the fingers with the other hand. You can also watch our how-to video for a Median Nerve Glide: You extend your arm out to the side and slowly move your wrist up and down, keeping the fingers straight.
