Carpal Tunnel in Broomfield

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful condition that happens when the median nerve in your wrist is compressed by swelling, often due to an underlying medical condition. It is one of the most common conditions affecting the nerves. Traditionally there were few options to deal with this problem and those available, such as surgery and medication, were invasive and expensive. Fortunately, chiropractors in Broomfield have success treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with a more conservative and gentle approach. If you are wondering whether your wrist pain is caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and want more details on the alternative treatments available from Broomfield chiropractors, then read on.

what is Carpal Tunnel Treatment in Broomfield?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is usually accompanied by sensations of burning, pain, tingling, or swelling in the palm of the hands and extends into the first three fingers and the thumb. Occasionally people also report a feeling of swelling in the hand even when no swelling is present. Patients commonly experience weakness in the affected hand and have difficulty with picking up small objects. This condition can have a major impact on a person's lifestyle and in some sever cases, if left untreated, the damage to the median nerve can cause permanent loss of movement in the hand.

What is the Cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The pain experienced with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a result of the swelling and misalignment of tissues and bone which then press on the nerve. Often there is an underlying problem. Some patients have had an obvious injury, a stress or break to the wrist, that causes the symptoms to develop.

The most common cause is related to occupations that involve the long term use of vibrating instruments and the repetitive use of the hands and wrist. At other times, this issue seems to develop out of nowhere. Metabolic disorders involving the pituitary and thyroid gland can be a contributing factor to the unexplained development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, as can pregnancy and obesity. More commonly, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, that develops in one or both wrists without a clear cause, is the result of a nerve irritation stemming from the spine.

Why Does This Keep Happening?

Carpal tunnel is called a repetitive stress injury for a reason: it happens because you made the same motions with your arms and hands so much that you essentially over-taxed a bunch of tissue and nerves. Typically, the tissue around the median nerve, which runs along your forearm, through a tunnel of tissue in your wrist (i.e., the carpal tunnel), and into your hand, lets the nerve function as normal. If the tissue in the carpal tunnel becomes inflamed, however, it can compress the nerve, creating pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling sensations.

You'd think the right treatment for carpal tunnel would be to rest the affected arm, let the tissue relax, and the inflammation disappear. However, the motions that create the inflammation in the first place are among the most common motions that you use most days. Do you type on a computer all day, especially with your wrists bent? Do you play drums constantly in a band, with no real breaks on tour? Those are just two examples of how carpal tissue can become inflamed.

How is Carpal Tunnel Treated?

Treating the condition is best done from several angles. Your doctor will likely look at rest, anti-inflammatory medications, stabilizing the joints (e.g., wrist braces), and special exercises. You should also improve the ergonomics at work and home. Use wrist supports for keyboards and ensure your posture is good, for example. There are also holistic modalities like acupuncture and chiropractic care, which can help release muscular tension in your arm that could be contributing to the compression.

Traditionally, Carpal Tunnel treatment has been limited to decompression surgeries, physiotherapy, and prescription medicines. Due to the fact that these options often fail to deal with the underlying problem, they may only provide short-term relief and, at times, can prove completely ineffective. When left untreated, or when unsuccessfully treated, people are forced to adapt their lifestyles to accommodate this debilitating issue. This may include quitting one's job and needing help with basic everyday living.

Fortunately, many people in Broomfield are finding long-term relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome through chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic medicine is a non-invasive alternative that seeks out and deals with the underlying cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. A chiropractor will perform an evaluation of your condition and formulate an individualized treatment plan that will work to correct nerve interference in the spine and restore you to an optimal state of health. If you are noticing any signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome do not hesitate to call our team at Summit Medical Care Center today for a consultation.