Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Do you suffer from pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in your hands? It’s possible you have what is called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This happens when a nerve in your wrist called the median nerve is under pressure. Symptoms can extend from your fingers to your elbow. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) can affect anyone but is more common in jobs that require repetitive motions such as typing, assembly line, mechanic, or hairdresser. CTS can also happen if you garden or play piano frequently…anything that involvesrepetitive motions with the hands can be a culprit.
Unfortunately, some people are diagnosed and treated for CTS without having this condition. How is that possible? In many cases, the nerve compression causing the patient’s symptoms have occurred in the neck. Pinched nerves in the mid to lower cervical spine can cause the exact same symptoms in the elbow, wrist, and hand. I have seen many patients that have even undergone the CTS surgery with ZERO benefit. This is because they never had a problem in their wrist, the compressed nerve was in their neck.
It is also possible to have compressed/pinched nerves in BOTH locations. This is diagnosed as Double Crush Syndrome. Patients with Double Crush Syndrome should receive treatment for the cervical spine and the CTS in their wrist(s).
At Nashville Neck & Back, Dr. Roberts can determine if your symptoms are coming from the neck or the wrist(s). Dr. Roberts will then provide the proper treatment to alleviate your symptoms.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be an expensive workplace injury. Surgery can cost thousands of dollars and that does not include absence from work. The surgery is not a guaranteed fix and the symptoms have beenknown to return within 2 years.
Treating CTS does not have to involve expensive surgeries or long recovery times. Dr. Andy Roberts can help determine if surgery is necessary or if chiropractic care would be beneficial for your individual diagnosis. Call today if you have any questions regarding CTS. 615-645-9994
