Carpal tunnel syndrome is when the median nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel is compressed, causing numbness, tingling, and irritation. The carpal tunnel is the opening in your wrist that is made up of the carpal bones and the carpal ligament. The median nerve provides the motor and sensory functions needed for your thumb and your three middle fingers to move. This is one of the most common conditions in the United States, especially for people who do office work or are involved in sports.
Who Develops Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Some people have higher risk factors for developing carpal tunnel syndrome than others. Here are some of the most common risk factors.
Genetics
If you are born with small carpal tunnels, then you are at a higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. This is hereditary. If someone in your family has small carpal tunnels, then there is a higher chance that you or your kids might as well.
Sex
Females are 3 times more likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome. They naturally have smaller carpal tunnels, which can cause a higher chance of. This condition can also be caused by hormone fluctuations due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the menstrual cycle.
Age
As you get older, you become more likely to get different conditions. The most common age range for carpal tunnel syndrome is between the ages of 30 and 70.
Certain conditions
Some conditions can increase your risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of these conditions include diabetes, neurological disorders, an overactive pituitary gland, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Injury or trauma to the wrists
If your wrists have had trauma or been injured, you are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than someone who has not injured their wrists.
The repetitive motion of the wrists and hands
This can include things like frequent typing, writing, or anything that repetitively requires movement of the hands and wrists over a long period.
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available. The most common option that most medical practitioners recommend is surgery, but we believe that chiropractic care and treatment can go a long way in treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
How can a chiropractor help?
Our chiropractor will first ask you questions about your symptoms and family history. Then we will determine if your carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a misalignment in your spine. We might also manipulate your wrists and elbows and put ice on to treat the inflammation.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Chiropractor in Granite City, IL
If you are suffering from symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome in Granite City, IL, the chiropractic professionals at Regenerative Health and Chiropractic are ready to assist you.
