Carpal Tunnel Syndrome In Gilbert, AZ

Dr. Brice Neff DC Gilbert AZ

Chiropractic Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome often experience pain, tingling, weakness, and numbness in the hands and arms. It develops when the median nerve, a large nerve in the hands, is compressed or squeezed in the carpal tunnel in the wrist, causing slower nerve impulses.

Initially, symptoms can be relieved by avoiding certain activities or wearing a wrist splint. However, continued pressure may cause permanent nerve damage and intensify symptoms. So, early diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome and chiropractic treatment is essential. Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery may be minimally invasive, but it’s not without its risks. Obtaining care from a carpal tunnel chiropractor might help you avoid surgery.

Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may include any of the following:

  • Pain, itching, numbness, burning, and tingling in the fingers and/or palm. 
  • Sporadic shock-like feelings radiate to the fingers.
  • Less strength and coordination affect fine motor skills and make you drop things.
  • Tingling sensations and/or pain move up the arm towards the shoulder.

The symptoms begin gradually. They may initially come and go, then steadily occur more frequently or persist for extended periods. If your wrists are bent during sleep, you may experience night-time symptoms and wake up with numb hands. You may experience the symptoms during the daytime when you hold something for a lengthy period with your wrist bent.

Causes Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes include a combination of the following factors:

  • Having a smaller carpal tunnel
  • Repetitive activities or motions (like typing) over a long time may cause wrist tendons to swell and pressure the median nerve
  • Performing activities that involve extension or flexion of the hand and wrist for a long time
  • Swelling caused by hormones during pregnancy
  • Conditions like hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, and diabetes

Carpal Tunnel Treatment

Because carpal tunnel syndrome worsens over time, it’s essential to be diagnosed and treated early to slow down or stop its progression. The following treatment options are available.

Nonsurgical treatment

Chiropractor can help to relieve the symptoms through the following treatment options:

  • Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Bracing or splinting to immobilize the hand
  • Steroid injections
  • Nerve gliding exercises
  • Avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms

Surgical Treatment

If your symptoms persist and worsen, your doctor may recommend surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve and prevent irreversible damage. Available options are:

  • Open carpal tunnel release surgery
  • Endoscopic carpal tunnel release
  • Cortisone Injection

Chiropractic treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome

You can get chiropractic treatment for carpal tunnel to avoid surgery or harmful medications. It may be in the form of

  • Spinal manipulation
  • Deep friction massage
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Frequently Asked Questions

How I Cure My Carpal Tunnel Naturally?

To get natural relief from carpal tunnel Gilbert, you can:

  • Immobilize your hand by using splints or wearing braces
  •  Avoid repetitive motions and activities
  •  Perform nerve gliding exercises 
  • Visit a chiropractor for carpal syndrome who will naturally release your pinched nerve without surgery. This is the most effective, natural treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome

Is Carpal Tunnel Considered Nerve Damage?

Carpal tunnel is not nerve damage. It results when the median nerve is pinched within the carpal tunnel (in the wrist). However, if the nerve is not released early enough, nerve damage can eventually occur, causing more severe symptoms. That is why everyone who is experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome in Gilbert should visit a carpal tunnel chiropractor to get chiropractic care for carpal tunnel. 

What Can Be Mistaken For A Carpal Tunnel?

The following conditions cause almost the same symptoms as a carpal tunnel:

  • Cervical radiculopathy occurs when nerves are pinched by stenosis, cervical osteoarthritis, or a herniated or degenerated disc
  • Cubital tunnel syndrome when pressure or repeated use of the elbow causes inflammation that affects the ulnar nerve
  •  Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when an unusually narrow space between the upper ribs and the collarbone compresses blood vessels and nerves running through it 
  • Nerve damage caused by diabetes in the hands

How Do I Know If It’s Carpal Tunnel Or Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can easily be mistaken for carpal tunnel syndrome, but there’s a difference. RA causes pain and numbness but, unlike carpal tunnel, it causes pain in the wrist joint and larger knuckles, along the nerve path, and in both hands simultaneously. That’s why it is wise to get an accurate diagnosis from a carpal tunnel chiropractor, an expert in entrapment conditions.

What Are The Warning Signs Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The most common warning signs of carpal tunnel are pain, tingling, and numbness in all the fingers except the pinky. Other symptoms may include:

  • The pain, tingling, and numbness worsen when the hand is warm and at night
  • Pain radiating from the hand up the arm
  • Weakness in the hand and difficulty in picking up and holding objects
  • A feeling that the fingers are swollen or full
  • Muscles at the base of the thumb become smaller than normal

Does Medical Insurance Cover Treatment Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Yes. Private insurance, national health insurance, and State Workers Compensation typically cover the cost of treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. The type of treatment covered may vary from program to program.

How Long Does Carpal Tunnel Usually Last?

Carpal tunnel won’t go away without treatment. Nonsurgical remedies only bring temporary relief, and the sensations progressively become worse, last longer, and even wake you up at night. You then face the risk of nerve damage and worse symptoms. Surgery may then be recommended. However, you may want to avoid it and choose chiropractic treatment for permanent relief without surgery. That is why we recommend that you see a chiropractor for carpal tunnel in Gilbert.

Content Reviewed By

Dr. Brice Neff DC Gilbert AZ
Doctor of Chiropractic
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