Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by pressure and irritation to a nerve that controls the arm and hand. This nerve starts in the neck and moves through each shoulder, down the arm, through the wrist, and into both hands. The wrist can be the primary source of pain, however, many carpal tunnel surgeries fail because this measure fails to address the neck component. This is sometimes referred to as “Double Crush Syndrome” because first the median nerve is irritated in the neck, then it gets irritated a second time inside the carpal tunnel of the wrist.

Know Your Options

Many patients have come to me after unsuccessful carpal tunnel surgeries, still suffering from the exact same symptoms. They were never informed that these surgeries have a known rate of failure, with some estimates as high as 57%. If you’re considering carpal tunnel surgery, it might be helpful to consult with an Upper Cervical chiropractor before going under the knife. The option for surgery will always be there. And in some cases, it could be avoided altogether.

Here’s How Carpal Tunnel Surgery is Performed

According to the University of Michigan medical program, “The transverse carpal ligament is cut, which releases pressure on the median nerve and relieves the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. An incision is made at the base of the palm of the hand. This allows the doctor to see the transverse carpal ligament. After the ligament is cut, the skin is closed with stitches. The gap where the ligament was cut is left alone and eventually fills up with scar tissue.”

If you or a loved one experience the frustrating pain of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, please consider contacting Chiropractic STL for a consultation.