Chiropractic as an effective treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Posted on: Dec 14 2017
In this age of over utilization of electronic games and computer keyboards the hands can fall prey to various over use syndromes. CTS and Game Keepers thumb are prevalent among the population in the computerized era in which we live, work, and play. These conditions are referred to as repetitive stress injuries or cumulative trauma disorders.
A Chiropractor would evaluate the Cervical spine in these cases to determine if the vertebrae are out of alignment or are jammed or stuck exhibiting abnormal spinal biomechanics. If these abnormal criteria are found, the chiropractor would correct these misalignments with his hands or a hand held adjusting instrument. This procedure is known as an Adjustment or Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy or CMT for short. The Carpal bones of the effected wrist would also be examined for abnormal biomechanics or fixations, a condition which lack of proper position or movement between 2 bones or vertebrae exist. This condition is also corrected with CMT or an extremity adjustment.
If the Chiropractor is experienced in soft tissue manipulation or myofascial release the soft tissues surrounding or encasing spinal nerves or brachial plexus will be evaluated for adaptive shortening, spasm, or fibrosis. If these abnormalities are found the muscles and tissues would manually treated, breaking up the adhesions or scar tissue and restoring the muscles to their normal resting length. This procedure or treatment would allow the nerves to slide or glide freely between the muscles of the spine, neck and or the involved upper extremity. Depending on the Chiropractor’s personal treatment philosophy and where he or she was trained, physical modalities may be utilized to promote healing. Modalities such as Acupuncture, heat, cold, electric stimulation, ultrasound or cold laser therapy can all be used to address the various stages of healing.
Posted in: Elbow/ Wrist/ Hand, Evidence Based Medicine