When people hear the phrase “carpal tunnel,” they often think of the pain, numbness, or tingling that occurs when a major nerve (the median nerve) of the hand is squeezed or compressed. However, the carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that protects this nerve and the flexor tendons that bend the fingers and thumb. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tissues of the carpal tunnel swell, putting pressure on the median nerve.
HOW DOES CARPAL TUNNEL MANIFEST?
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel
Wrist pain
Tightness in upper forearm muscles
Numbness and tingling into the hand, particularly last 3 fingers
Weakness in the hands
HOW DO YOU GET CARPAL TUNNEL?
Common causes of Carpal Tunnel
The most common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome are from our regular daily activities. Activities can be so regular and repetitive that it causes inflammation and swelling in overused parts of the body.
Typing for long periods
Carrying heavy trays (servers and waitstaff)
Grasping type of work (farming, picking plants or produce, etc.)
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Alleviating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Adjustments
Manual or gentle adjustments from our Fayetteville office can help align the bones in the wrist and hand and reduce the swelling associated with carpel tunnel syndrome.
Stretches & Exercises
Simple stretches and exercises for the lower muscles of the forearm can go a long way in alleviating pain.
Splints or Braces
Wrist splints and braces help reduce pressure on the median nerve by keeping the wrist straight.
HOW CAN ADJUSTMENTS AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES HELP?
BENEFITS OF CHIROPRACTIC
Relieve discomfort
Exercises, adjustments or splints can help relieve discomfort so you can get back to your life, job, and favorite activities.
Reduce pressure & swelling
Proper stretching and exercises can alleviate the pressure and pain that causes carpal tunnel syndrome.
Enhance quality of life
Forming good habits, and taking necessary breaks can have a huge impact on your symptoms and your every day life.
SOME FAQ'S
What happens if I don’t treat my carpal tunnel?
What happens if I don’t treat my carpal tunnel?
It’s very important to get treatment in Fayetteville for carpal tunnel as soon as possible. The sooner you get care, the better your outcome will be. But if it’s left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent and irreversible effects. This may include weakness of the hand, problems with coordination and proprioception, continued pain, and even permanent damage to nerves.
Many patients wait to get care until their symptoms are very severe, and include things like numbness in their hands. But in many cases, this can lead to irreversible nerve damage, even if they get adequate care. Often, this is because they think that surgery is their only option for relief.
But that’s not the case. At Thrive Wellness Center, we specialize in drug-free, natural treatment for carpal tunnel, without surgery. With a treatment plan from our team, you can make positive changes, relieve your symptoms, and get on the road to recovery.
When it comes to carpal tunnel treatment, sooner is always better. The vast majority of patients can expect to make a full recovery if they get care at Thrive Wellness Center when they first notice their symptoms. So don’t wait. Call us at (479) 439-8121 right away to schedule a consultation and get the care you need in Fayetteville.
How soon can I expect relief with carpal tunnel treatment?
How soon can I expect relief with carpal tunnel treatment?
Among other factors, this depends on the treatments that our doctors recommend, the severity of your carpal tunnel, and how diligent you are about your recovery. It may take anywhere from several weeks to several months to start feeling relief.
During this time, it’s very important to follow any at-home exercises and therapy recommendations given to you by the team at Thrive Wellness Center. You should also make sure you come in for regular treatment and adjustments, as recommended by our doctors.
Recovery is a long process, but if you’re diligent about caring for your wrist, your symptoms will begin to improve. As you recover, you will experience less pain, tingling, numbness, and discomfort, and will be able to use your hands more effectively once again.
Can carpal tunnel symptoms return?
Can carpal tunnel symptoms return?
Yes. It is possible for carpal tunnel symptoms to return, even if you’ve undergone surgical treatment for your condition. To make sure that your symptoms don’t come back, it’s important to keep following your recovery plan, even if your symptoms completely disappear.
For example, continuing to stretch and exercise your wrists and forearms can help you maintain flexibility in your wrists and prevent carpal tunnel. And other things like adjusting your workplace ergonomics to relieve pressure from your wrists can help prevent carpal tunnel symptoms from coming back.
At Thrive Wellness Center, we believe in not just treating your symptoms, but putting you on a path for long-term success and relief. Our Fayetteville team will work closely with you even after your symptoms disappear, and provide the care you need to ensure that your carpal tunnel never comes back again.
