Combating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The initial symptoms felt by the sufferers of CTS are intermittent numbness or tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers. Simple things like holding a steering wheel, phone or newspaper can exacerbate these symptoms. These sensations may extend from the wrist radiating upwards to the forearm. 

These symptoms can also cause the sufferer to drop things due to weakness of the thumb’s pinching muscles controlled by the median nerve. Many individuals diagnosed with CTS have reported that as the condition worsens, the pain may be enough to waken them from sleep.

As shared by the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors, ‘women are two to five times more likely to develop CTS than men. This may be because the carpal tunnel area is relatively smaller in women than it is in men. Pregnant women are also at higher risk because the fluid retention that comes along with pregnancy can irritate the median nerve.’

Some of the ways to prevent CTS are:

• Reduce the amount of force applied and relax your grip when performing manual tasks. 

• Improving your overall posture can avoid muscle being shortened in the neck and shoulders which can then affect wrist, fingers and hands.

• Keeping hands warm will help to reduce pain and stiffness in hands. 

To read more about preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome read the full article or consult your Chiropractic professional at Core Chiropractic Center.