CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Do you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(CTS)? You may if you have one or more of the following: tingling and numbness in the hand, fingers and wrist; pain so intense that it awakens you at night and similar symptoms in the upper arm, elbow, shoulder or neck.

Millions of people now suffer from CTS and increasing numbers of them are seeking chiropractic care. Why? The chiropractic process of relieving the spine and nerve-damaging vertebral subluxation complex strengthens your body. You will have more energy and may better deal with all conditions--CTS included.

Where Is The Carpal Tunnel?
You won't find this tunnel on any map--it's in your wrist. Your carpal (wrist) bones form a tunnel-like structure-- the carpal tunnel--through which pass nine tendons and one nerve-- the median nerve. CTS (also called occupational neuritis, partial thenar atrophy and median neuritis) occurs when the median nerve is irritated. CTS is so common it's been called the "occupational disease of the 1990s" 1

Who Gets CTS?
People who do repetitive tasks--housewives, secretaries, meat cutters, assembly line workers, carpenters, musicians, computer users and others. Also, fractures or a fall on the hand, and poorly designed and/or vibrating hand tools may damage the palm of the hand and cause CTS. Other causes are rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, Paget's bone disease, multiple myeloma, acromegaly and gout. It is often found in pregnant women, women who use birth control pills or individuals who have an underactive thyroid.

The Medical Approach
The medical approach tries to relieve the pain by wrist immobilization, ice or drugs (diuretics or anti-inflammatories).2 If the symptoms persist, corticosteriods may be injected into the crease in the hand near the wrist which may provide relief but has a high relapse rate(and many side effects).

Surgery may be resorted to with hand surgeons performing 100,000 operations a year for CTS.3 Recovery from such surgery may take from 6 months to 10 years.4 The limitations of standard medical care led the late Robert Mendelsohn, M.D. to state: "Since the medical treatment for this condition is so often unsatisfactory, I have for years been recommending that my patients consult experts in muscle and joint therapy.5

Your Spine & Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The relationship between spinal health and carpal tunnel has been documented by a number of individuals who found spinal nerve root irritation in patients who had carpal tunnel or ulnar neuropathy.6 Others have found that nerve compression in the neck can block the flow of nutrients to the nerves in the wrist, making it more susceptible to injury(this is called the double crush syndrome).7,8

Not surprisingly, when 1,000 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome were investigated it was found that a large number of those suffering from CTS also had neck arthritis.9

The Chiropractic Approach
Anyone suffering from CTS should see a chiropractor to ensure that his/her spinal column is free from nerve pressure between the arms and wrists and the nerves in the neck.10 The musicians, computer operators and other workers who suffer from CTS are not only using their wrists in their tasks--the neck is also involved. Altered spinal movements may be creating strain on the neck to cause or aggravate the condition.11

For over a hundred years, doctors of chiropractic have been adjusting patients' spines to better balance their vertebral columns. During this period, chiropractors have observed that some patients have been relieved of classic carpal tunnel symptoms after spinal adjustments. 12,13

Conclusion
In light of what's known about CTS, anyone suffering from it should see a chiropractor to ensure that their spine is free of vertebral subluxations. A chiropractic spinal adjustment may make the difference between a pain-free wrist or spinal surgery!

Postscript
No matter what disease or condition you have, you can benefit from a healthy spine. Spinal health can be as important for your overall healing as proper nutrition. Are you and your family carrying the vertebral subluxation complex in your spines? Only a chiropractic spinal checkup can tell.

Among the many things contributing to your health: the quality of the air, food and water you take in; how you handle emotional stress; your inherited weaknesses and strengths; your use of drugs; exercise; and relaxation--a healthy spine is absolutely essential. In some people it is a major factor and can make the difference between a life of health, strength and vitality or a life of disease, weakness and disability.

A healthy spine can improve your life-- see your chiropractor for periodic spinal checkups.

References

1. Nonsurgical relief for carpal tunnel sufferers. "Let's Live" August 1993.

2. Pfeffer, G.B.& Gelberman, R.H. The carpal tunnel syndrome. In N.M. Hadler(Ed), "Clinical concepts in regional musculoskeletal illness" Orlando, FL Grune & Stratton, Inc. 1987, pp 201-215

3. Brody, J.E. Epidemic at the computer. Hand and arm injuries. "New York Times", March 3, 1992pp.C1;C10.

4. Rietz K.A. & Onne, L. Analysis of sixty-five operated cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. "Acta Chir Scand", 1967, 133, pp 443-447

5. Mendelsohn, R. Treating carpal tunnel syndrome. "The People's Doctor""8"(9), p.7.

6. Upton,A.R.M & McComas, A.J. The double crush in nerve entrapment syndromes. "Lancet" 1973, "2"p.329

7. Czaplak, S. Impaired axoplasmic transport and the double crush syndrome: Food for chiropractic though. "Clinical Chiropractic" Jan. 1993, pp8-9

8. Nemoto, K et al. The double lesion neuropathy; An experimental study and clinical cases "Abstract 123" Second Int'l. Congress. Boston, MA Oct. 1983.

9. Hurst, L.C. Weissburg, D. & Carroll, R.E. The relationship of the double crush syndrome (an analysis of 1,000 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome). "J Hand Surg". 1985, "10B" p.202

10. Fisher, H. "Prevention Magazine".

11. Ferezy, J. & Norlin, W. Carpal tunnel syndrome: A case report. "Chiropractic Technique". Jan/Feb 1989 1989, pp.19-22.

12. Czaplak, S. Impaired axoplasmic transport and the double crush syndrome: Food for chiropractic thought. "Clinical Chiropractic". Jan 1993, pp.8-9.

13. Bonebrake, A.R. et al. A treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome: Evaluation of objective and subjective measures. JMPT. 1990, "13" pp.507-520.