OCCUPATIONAL
THERAPY
Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome is becoming one of the most widespread of
occupational hazards. It can be painful and debilitating.
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that carpal tunnel
syndrome and other repetitive motion disorders now account
for 60% of all workplace injuries.
Early
treatment can lead to a quicker and easier recovery. CTS is
most often caused by pressure on the median nerve just above
the wrist. The Carpal Tunnel is named for the area of your
wrist containing the carpal bones, the transverse carpal
ligament (connecting two outside carpals together), the
median nerve and the tendons controlling finger and hand
movement.
Pressure
on the median nerve may occur due to injury or sustained
pressure from activities like typing/keypunching, chopping,
hammering or pushing.
Symptoms...
Some warning signs are pain (which
can be severe), numbness, a tingling or burning sensation,
weakness or loss of grip strength, and loss of sleep due to
discomfort.
Treatment...
In most cases chiropractic
manipulation of the affected area (and perhaps spinal
manipulation) can be very effective. Usually your doctor
will X-ray the wrist area to determine the extent of the
injury.
Some
physicians might prescribe medication and/or inject cortico-steroids
which may temporarily alleviate pain and swelling, but does
not often treat the actual problem - symptoms may return.
Chiropractic manipulation has proven to be one of the most
effective methods of treatment.
Do you
have some questions? Click here...
