Accidents and Injuries

Today, we are constantly tapping, scrolling, clicking, using our hands, fingers, and thumbs on smartphones, tablets, computers, etc. Constant repetitive use has increased the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. If tingling, numbness, soreness, or electrical sensations have begun to develop in the hands, especially the index finger, thumb, or palm, carpal tunnel prevention measures can help before it becomes severe.

Pinched Nerve

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the medical terminology for a pinched nerve. It is the median nerve that passes through the narrow carpal tunnel passageway of ligaments and bones at the base of the hand. This tunnel houses the median nerve and the tendons that allow the fingers to bend. The median nerve generates physical sensation in the index, middle, ring finger, and palm near the thumb. Compression of the nerve or inflammation can cause tingling, numbness, and pain in any and/or all of the hand areas. It can also cause the fingers to bend awkwardly; however, this symptom develops over time. There are so many different causes of carpal tunnel syndrome that it is almost impossible to avoid with the constant overuse/repetition of the hands.

• Work - tasks, typing, mouse use, writing, scanning, etc.
• School
• Injury

Doctors recommended approach for carpal tunnel prevention is to take action at the first sign/symptom. The most effective preventative measures include:

Take Frequent Hand Breaks

At work, school, or when doing any repetitive hand movements like:

• Typing
• Using a computer mouse - moving, clicking, using the scrolling wheel, etc.
• Writing
• Cooking - chopping, slicing, mixing, squeezing, etc.
• Drawing
• Make sure to take frequent breaks from the motion.

Carpal tunnel is more likely to develop if the nerves and muscles are overused for a long time without stopping. When focused on a task, we often don’t realize how the repetitive motions cause strain until a sting or pinch makes us stop. Taking a hand break is essential to give the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves time to relax and stay loose. The break only has to be a few minutes to be effective.

Repetitive Movements and Proper Hand Form/Posture

Repetitive hand or wrist motions in everyday activities sometimes cannot be helped. It is recommended to try to switch hands when performing the task, space it out over the day, take frequent breaks, stretch, and gently shake out the hands throughout the day. Make sure any pressure on the hands or wrists is as light as possible and evenly distributed. Keep the wrists straight or slightly bent and use light tools if possible. Proper posture is crucial for carpal tunnel prevention. Many individuals don’t realize the back, neck, and wrists are intricately connected. Poor posture like hunching over the computer, shoulders rolled forward, and forward neck posture can cause the nerves and muscles of the arm to become compressed, causing tingling, numbing, pain symptoms because they’re not properly aligned. The compression can run down the arms and affect the wrists and hands as well.

Carpal Tunnel Prevention Supportive Accessories

It is also recommended to consider integrating supportive accessories, like ergonomic keyboards, mice, wrist splints, keypad cushions, etc. These tools can support the body and keep the wrists and hands healthy, comfortable, and pain-free. Wrist splints can help by keeping the wrist in a straight, neutral position without thinking about it. This reduces stress on the area and absorbs the pressure of everyday tasks on the carpal tunnel and median nerve. Individuals can also wear the splint at night to support and train the wrist to stay straight throughout the day. Taking action before the symptoms become severe is highly recommended. Talk to a chiropractor or physical therapist for exercises, stretches, and general tips to help with carpal tunnel prevention.

Body Composition

A Snack and A Meal

Without proper planning, the calories an individual consumes from snacks can add up. A recent survey found that snacking contributes 586 calories for men and 421 calories for women per day. Weight loss, weight gain, and weight maintenance come down to calories in vs. calories out.

• Eating snacks that are too high in calories or snacking too much can disrupt and derail health goals.
• It’s essential to know what a snack consists of, what to look for on a label, and how to plan.
• Snacks come in a range of calories, depending on individual goals.
• For many, 100-200 calories are recommended for snacks.
• Individuals that need increased calories may require a higher calorie snack.
• The number of snacks eaten per day depends on individual needs and goals.
• It’s best to plan and factor snacks into the overall meal plan to avoid overeating.
• Be sure to check labels and measure out snack portions.

General Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

References

LeBlanc, Kim Edward, and Wayne Cestia. “Carpal tunnel syndrome.” American family physician vol. 83,8 (2011): 952-8.

Page, Matthew J et al. “Splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 2012,7 CD010003. 11 Jul. 2012, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010003

Shiri, Rahman, and Kobra Falah-Hassani. “Computer use and carpal tunnel syndrome: A meta-analysis.” Journal of the neurological sciences vol. 349,1-2 (2015): 15-9. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2014.12.037

Due to his significant craftsmanship in San Antonio, TX, Ottis Hamlet must largely rely on the use of his best tools: his hands. Unfortunately, Mr. Hamlet developed debilitating symptoms in both of his arms because of carpal tunnel syndrome, which dramatically impacted his capacity to participate in his occupation and therefore affecting his quality of life as a result. Ottis Hamlet was able to find relief for his hand and wrist pain with Dr. Alex Jimenez through a trip to El Paso, TX and he received chiropractic treatment for his carpal tunnel syndrome, preventing the need to undergo any surgical interventions.

Chiropractic Treatment For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a medical condition resulting from the compression of the nerve that travels via the wrist and in the lymph nodes. Typical symptoms include pain, tingling sensations and numbness, at the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the thumb side of this ring fingers. Symptoms normally begin gradually and may continue throughout the day. Symptoms may stretch throughout the arm and also diminished grip power may also happen. Carpal tunnel syndrome may be diagnosed according to its symptoms.

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Chiropractic works great for neck and back problems, but it is highly effective for the entire body. Carpal tunnel syndrome or CTS is becoming a widespread health issue with so many working on computers, devices, phones, etc. Chiropractic is perfect for treating CTS. It relieves pain, loosens/stretches the ligaments, and promotes healing without meds.

Carpal Tunnel

Carpal tunnel is diagnosed as a repetitive stress injury. This is a condition that affects the hands and wrists. The most common symptoms include:

• Tingling
• Numbness
• Weakness in the middle, index, and thumb
• Pain in the wrist/hand
• Gets worse at night

It is found in:

• Hairdressers
• Office workers - typing, writing, filing, etc.
• Mechanics
• Cashiers
• Those who perform repetitive hand motions throughout the day

It is estimated that around 3% of adults will deal with CTS at some time in their lives. Around 50 percent of workplace injuries are attributed to CTS. Research has shown that job occupation plays a large role in how it develops.

The carpal tunnel lies on the front side of the wrist. Here is where the blood vessels, nerves, and tendons necessary for the hand to move and work reside. The carpal tunnel can become inflamed, damaged, or strained with added pressure on the area compressing the arteries and nerves. This is when CTS develops. It starts slowly with symptoms gradually worsening as the condition progresses.

How chiropractic helps

There are 3 primary ways that chiropractors treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Manual Adjustment of the:

• Upper spine
• Arm
• Wrist

If the spine is out of alignment it could contribute and exacerbate the carpal tunnel. Chiropractic utilizes spinal manipulation to realign the spine to its correct position. These adjustments are performed by hand, but special devices, instruments, tools, rollers, etc, could be used during the treatments. A chiropractor will make adjustments to the arm and wrist, as well.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses low energy sound or high energy sound. The sound waves are highly focused and penetrate the body’s tissue at a very deep level. These waves are quite effective in reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and relaxing the muscles. It could be used as a stand-alone treatment or along with chiropractic treatment.

Wrist Supports

Wrist supports are used to keep the wrist properly aligned with the rest of the arm to reduce pressure and compression. It can be used as a preventative measure against carpal tunnel. A chiropractor could go with this option if the individual does repetitive work that could contribute to the condition.

This is usually done in conjunction with regular chiropractic care. When treating carpal tunnel, a chiropractor could suggest certain therapeutic exercises and a dietary change to help promote optimal wellness. This is to help the individual get the most benefits from the treatment and to help prevent the condition from worsening, as well as, other conditions.

Posture

Proper posture is essential for optimal health, well being, can help avoid age-related conditions and allows the organs room to operate properly and efficiently. Posture can be affected in different ways. Sustaining an injury is one in which the body compensates by listing to one side or hunching over to relieve the pain.

Another reason is slouching. Those of us that just don’t stand and sit up straight through bad habits, lack of exercise, improper diet, medication, and the list goes on and on. Whatever the reason, poor posture will gradually lead to:

• Back pain
• Headaches
• Increased risk of injury
• Decreased flexibility
• Decreased mobility

It can cause the body to age quicker. However, in most cases, even those with extremely poor posture can find help and return to a high quality of life. Chiropractic has shown to help many regain a straight, healthy posture.

Postural Conditions

There are postural conditions that chiropractic is very helpful in alleviating, include:

• Pelvic unleveling
• Damage to the low back, mid-back, and neck
• Forward head posture - usually associated with mobile devices
• Kyphosis
• Scoliosis

Treatment

A chiropractor will:

• Discuss the problem/s you are experiencing
• Listen to the complaints
• Find out when the problem started
• Go through events or work that could have contributed to the problem
• Thoroughly evaluate the medical history
• Observe the way you sit, walk, bend, and move around

A chiropractor will request x-rays and assess the alignment of the spine. If necessary a neurological or orthopedic test could be done to ensure that there is no underlying condition or injury that is causing the problem.

They will ask you to stand straight and possibly take measurements to determine if there is any visible deviation from the optimum posture. They will then ask you to move and bend while they test the range of motion, mobility, flexibility along with muscle strength and length.

Posture Plan

Once the assessments are complete the chiropractor will discuss the best treatment option available. They will walk you through the adjustments that will be performed along with other therapies they might recommend. The best course of action to relieve any pain will be discussed, as well as get your spine into proper alignment improving posture. They will also talk to you about stretching exercises and things to do at home. They could also discuss:

• Sleep positions
• Diet
• Work area adjustments
• Exercise
• Weight loss

Chiropractic focuses on whole-body treatment. This means addressing lifestyle changes and getting the individual into optimal shape. Basic chiropractic adjustments can help improve posture within a few sessions.

After the body is in alignment you will feel more energetic, healthier, and happier. The body is an intricate machine and when one part is out of order it begins to affect all the other parts. Chiropractic can improve overall health and wellness. We want to get your body functioning more effectively and efficiently and feeling better.

Chiropractic Podcasting: Why Chiropractic Works

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*