Ever heard of the superstition – ‘When the palm of your hand itches you are likely to receive something; money in particular’? If you actually do receive money, good for you. But if your hand constantly itches, feels numb, tingling, loses dexterity or strength and you often have to shake or flick it to restore feeling or sensation, you might want to continue reading.
What could be the problem?
All these symptoms are mostly related to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). CTS is a condition that affects your hand and is caused by pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. This happens when median nerve in the wrist gets pinched. As the space in the wrist (the carpal tunnel) narrows, it presses down on the median nerve and tendons making them swell, cutting off the feeling in the fingers and hand.
Three to six percent of adults are affected by CTS and 50% of the fore-mentioned can be affected on both hands. This is a condition that is more prevalent as one gets older, thus unusual before the age of 20, and more common in women than in men.
Causes of CTS
The main cause of CTS is often unknown and typically comes on gradually, therefore, it is difficult to pinpoint the onset date. However, studies have identified excessive pressure in your wrist and the median nerve resulting from long-term or extreme wrist motions as a predominant cause. For example, playing a musical instrument can cause swelling within the carpal tunnel. Other causes may include: obesity, pregnancy, hormone-related conditions, trauma and even heredity issues.
Treatment (s)
Delayed care can result in longer healing, a decline in range of motion or coordination and long-term disability. An invasive recovery plan involves corrective surgery or wrist splints to ease some pressure on the tendons. Keep in mind that there are conditions that can ‘mimic’ CTS, so proper diagnosis is necessary. Even surgery will not help if CTS is wrongly diagnosed. Doctors of chiropractic are skilled to perform accurate and holistic exams so appropriate treatment can be administered. They also use non-invasive methods to help ease the pain and get the blood circulating naturally.
Want more reasons to visit the chiropractor?
In our previous articles, we highlighted discussed how chiropractic adjustments and massages can help you feel revitalized; one more reason to visit a chiropractor is – their treatments are cost effective. Companies pay billions in health insurance and workers’ compensation claims related to CTS each year related.
Wrist splints may range in price from $15 to $120 (possibly for short-term relief), while corrective surgery approximately costs $5,000 or higher for each 30 minute surgical procedure. Massage therapy is cost efficient and provide effective long term treatment for CTS.
To book your appointment or for more information contact us.
