| CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition, particularly in people working on computers or performing repetitive motions with the hands, arms, shoulders and neck over a long period of time, such as computer operators, machinists, and factory workers. It is often misdiagnosed and costs business and industry thousands of dollars in lost work time and disability claims. Typical symptoms include: - Arm, hand, wrist pain or weakness - Arm or hand numbness - Numbness is the first fingers and thumb, little finger is usually unaffected - Hand, wrist or thumb pain, especially at night Traditional treatment includes chiropractic, bracing, ergonomic advice, medication, nutritional supplements, physical therapy, exercises, and surgery. The condition is the result of the dysfunction of the median nerve in the forearm. The most common belief is that this occurs when there is excessive pressure on the nerve as it runs into the wrist through a narrow opening in the wrist referred to as the "carpal tunnel". The median nerve controls movement of the thumb and sensation into the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger. Pressure on the nerve causes a loss of function in these areas. This occurs when the tendons that allow us to flex our fingers become inflamed, either through repetitive use or other causes such as arthritis or previous fracture of the carpal bones, and thicken, decreasing the space which the median nerve passes through. Eventually, the pressure reaches a point when the nerve can no longer function normally. Pain and numbness begins. Further Information: A Patient's Guide to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This is a nicely illustrated introduction to carpal tunnel syndrome. |
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