Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that can make everyday tasks difficult and painful. At Chiro Health Plus, Dr. Robert Dhaliwal’s Cincinnati offices in Western Hills and on Reading Road, we offer conservative treatments to help you find relief from carpal tunnel syndrome. Let’s explore what CTS is, its symptoms, its common causes, and how chiropractic care can help you manage this condition and recover.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist made up of bones and ligaments. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into your hand, becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel due to swelling or narrowing in this area.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can range from mild to severe and may include:
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Pain or discomfort in the wrist, hand, or forearm
- Weakness in the hand, which may affect your grip
- A sensation of pins and needles, especially at night or after repetitive hand use
If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can potentially lead to permanent nerve damage and reduced hand function.
Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Several factors can contribute to the development of CTS, including:
- Repetitive Motions: Tasks that involve repetitive hand or wrist movements, such typing, assembly line work, or using hand tools, can increase your risk. This is especially true of tools that vibrate.
- Poor Ergonomics: Improper wrist positioning while typing or playing sports can put excessive stress on the carpal tunnel.
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes, arthritis, and hypothyroidism can increase your likelihood of developing CTS.
- Injury or Trauma: Wrist fractures or other injuries can lead to swelling and compression of the median nerve.
- Genetics: Some people are naturally predisposed to having a smaller carpal tunnel.
Chiropractic Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
At Dr. Robert Dhaliwal’s Cincinnati chiropractic offices, we take a conservative, non-invasive, drug-free approach to treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Our goal is to resolve the causes of your symptoms based on an understanding of how all the body’s mechanics affect each other. Here are some of the key treatments we offer:
Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy, is a painless treatment that uses light energy to reduce inflammation and promote healing. By targeting the wrist and surrounding tissues, cold laser therapy can help decrease pain, improve circulation, and accelerate tissue repair.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a time-tested therapy that involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and direct the body’s recovery. For carpal tunnel syndrome, acupuncture can help reduce inflammation, release tension in the wrist and forearm, and improve nerve conduction.
Therapeutic Exercise
Therapeutic exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles of the wrist and hand, improve flexibility, and enhance blood flow to the wrist. Dr. Dhaliwal will work with you to create a personalized exercise plan that avoids overuse and prevents future flare-ups.
Find Relief with Chiropractic Care
If you’re experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, don’t wait for the condition to get worse. Contact Dr. Robert Dhaliwal’s Cincinnati, Ohio, offices at Chiro Health Plus by calling (513) 251-2273 for Western Hills and (513) 948-9482 for Reading Road.