Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

A person with carpal tunnel syndrome feels tingling, burning, or itching and numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb and index finger. Sensations to the palm of the hand, as well as the thumb and three other fingers (not the little finger) are controlled by the median nerve which also controls some of the small muscles that allow the thumb and fingers to move. Pressure on the median nerve can lead to pain, numbness and weakness in the hand and wrist, which may make its way up into the arm.

A traditional approach to carpal tunnel syndrome begins with a combination of physical therapy and bracing of the wrist that eventually leads to surgical removal or enlargement of the carpal tunnel itself. The success rates of surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome have mixed results. It is has been reported by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics that only approximately 25% of people were able to return to their previous occupations following surgery. In addition, recent patient surveys have found that nearly 57% of patients undergoing the surgery experienced recurrent symptoms following the procedure. Many patients have reported requiring second and even third surgeries and being prescribed multiple prescription drugs following the procedure.

What most people are not aware of is that often the cause of the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel is due to nerve interference caused by misalignment in the spine. Misalignment in any of the joints between the spine and hand may be sufficient to cause the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Until the problems at the spine are resolved, surgery and other treatments concentrating on the wrist will have minimal benefit.

Spine Conditions

Chiropractors FAQ

Do Chiropractors adjust all patients the same way?

No. The chiropractor evaluates each patient’s unique spinal problem and develops an individual course of care. In fact, there are many different chiropractic techniques and the chiropractor will decide which is best for each patient. The recommendations made by a chiropractor are based upon years of training and experience. Each patient’s care is uniquely different from every other patient.

Can a person who had back surgery see a chiropractor?

Yes. It’s an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. This too common occurrence is known as “Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.” Chiropractors may help prevent repeated back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care is initially utilized back surgery can often be avoided in the first place. Some chiropractors specialize in serving those people who have had previous back surgeries and are still in pain. Spinal Decompression Therapy can be the most effective course of treatment for such a person.

Can I adjust myself?

No. Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction to a specific joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself correctly and accurately. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a “popping” sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable spine even more unstable, and can sometimes be dangerous. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs.

Can I tell if my spine is out of alignment?

Not always. A misalignment is like a dental cavity–you may have it for a long time before symptoms appear. That’s why periodic spinal checkups are so important. Although it may be possible to know you have a misalignment, it is rarely possible to be sure you don’t. Regular spinal checkups are always a good idea, and they promote good health from the inside out.

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About Dr. Cosmas Leigh

Chiropractic Physician

Dr. Cosmas Leigh, D.C. is a pioneer in Spinal Decompression to treat spinal stenosis, herniated discs, bulging discs, and disc degeneration. Dr. Leigh was the first in his region to include the state-of-the-art DRX 9000c Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression system to his practice to reduce pain and restore function for people of all ages.