Numbness and carpal tunnel syndrome in Clear Lake, Iowa
Do you ever get up in the morning with numbness in your hands? Do you “wake them up” by shaking them? Numbness can happen when you are sleeping. Some people call this carpal tunnel syndrome, and it is one of the most common conditions affecting nerves. It is a painful condition that happens when the median nerve in your wrist is compressed by swelling, often due to an underlying medical condition. Traditionally, the few options to deal with this problem are surgery and medication and are invasive and expensive. Fortunately, at O’Hara Chiropractic, we have successfully treated carpal tunnel syndrome with a more conservative and gentle approach. If you are wondering whether your wrist pain is caused by carpal tunnel syndrome and want more details on the alternative treatments available in Clear Lake, Iowa, then read on.
What causes numbness and carpal tunnel syndrome?
Patients may experience pain with carpal tunnel syndrome because of the swelling and misalignment of tissues and bone which press on the nerve. An underlying problem such as an obvious injury, a stress or break to the wrist, can cause the painful symptoms to develop.
Certain occupations that involve long-term use of vibrating instruments and repetitive use of the hands and wrist can negatively affect the nerves that cause numbness. Sometimes, this issue seems to develop out of nowhere. Some metabolic disorders involving the pituitary and thyroid glands can contribute to the unexplained development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Pregnancy and obesity can even affect swelling and numbness. Frequently, carpal tunnel syndrome develops in one or both wrists without a clear cause and is the result of a nerve irritation stemming from the spine.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
People with carpal tunnel syndrome report feeling burning, pain, or tingling sensations, or swelling in the palms of their hands. It may even extend into their fingers. Sometimes people also feel like their hand is swelling, even when no swelling is present. Patients commonly experience weakness in the affected hand and have difficulty picking up small objects. This condition can have a major impact on a person’s lifestyle. In some severe cases, if left untreated, the damage to the median nerve can cause permanent loss of movement in the hand.
How are numbness and carpal tunnel syndrome treated?
Traditionally, carpal tunnel syndrome treatment has been limited to decompression surgeries, physiotherapy, and prescription medicines. However, these options often fail to deal with the underlying problem. They may only provide short-term relief or prove completely ineffective. When left untreated or unsuccessfully treated, people may be forced to adapt their lifestyles to accommodate this debilitating issue, possibly quitting their job or needing help with everyday living tasks.
At O’Hara Chiropractic, Clear Lakers can find long-term relief from carpal tunnel syndrome. Chiropractic treatment is a non invasive alternative that seeks out and deals with the underlying cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. We will evaluate your condition and create an individualized treatment plan to correct nerve interference in the spine and restore you to an ideal state of health. If you are noticing any signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, call us at O’Hara Chiropractic today for a consultation.