Chiropractic Care and Carpal Tunnel

You may think that carpal tunnel syndrome is a bone or ligament problem, but that's only half the story. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) states, "Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist."

Therefore, carpal tunnel is actually caused when a nerve gets pinched. Dr. David Nygaard of Atlas Family Chiropractic in Asheville, N.C. further explains that, "The carpal tunnel is a band of ligaments and small bones in your wrist. Painful symptoms can result when nerves are compressed by a collapse of this nerve ‘tunnel'."

Virtually every joint in the body is susceptible to fixations and malfunctions that impair function and range of motion. Trauma, micro-traumas, vibrations and repetitive motions are often culprits.

Atlas Chiropractic Treats the Body as a Whole

Just as chiropractors work to align the bones of the spine, they employ techniques that can be applied to other joints in the body. Shoulders, hip problems, knees, ankles and even jaw problems have been shown to respond to chiropractic care. Familiar with working with pinched nerves, chiropractors align bones in their best possible position. That, in turn, allows ligaments, and muscles to function properly. Once stress is removed from the nerves, they are able to begin healing naturally.

After a thorough consultation to determine if chiropractic care is appropriate for the patient, Atlas Family chiropractors begin their examinations by taking measurements of how bones are aligned in the body. They pay particular attention to the alignment of the Atlas bone. The Atlas bone is the first bone of the spinal column directly beneath the skull. Like a link in a chain, it and the rest of the spinal column, houses the central nervous system. The angle of this bone as it supports the weight of the skull is measured to ensure that it is in a natural or "orthogonal" position.

They would then make adjustments, as needed, to help heal Sublaxations. Sublaxations occur when a misaligned bone causes nerve interference. This interference alters nerve output, either increasing it or decreasing it, resulting in malfunction.

"Malfunction, left long enough, often results in a lack of ease or dis-ease. Dis-ease will eventually lead to symptoms. Many are surprised to learn that the cause of their wrist problem may be due to functional changes to one or more joints of the neck, shoulder, elbow or wrist", says Dr. Nygaard.
Sometimes called the "Double Crush Syndrome," sublaxations in the upper spine can compromise the workings of anything between it and the tip of your little finger.

Chiropractic Care is a Non-Invasive Treatment

The problem with many treatments for carpal tunnel is that they don't treat the source of the problem. Some people try to self-treat symptoms of carpal tunnel by wearing a wristband. While it may alleviate some of the symptoms by adding stability and reducing mobility, it doesn't treat the joint that's causing the nerve to be pinched.

Prescription medications that dull the pain can cause similar problems as left untreated the pain, numbness and tingling associated with carpal tunnel can worsen possibly causing serious nerve damage. Should damage to the area be severe, surgery might be recommended.

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive alternative to consider before surgery. By restoring proper motion and alignment and strengthening the surrounding muscles, nerves are allowed to function properly. Working with a chiropractor to align the body and strengthen the wrist, patients are often able to resume their regular activities without drugs, surgery or bracing.

For more information, visit:
http://atlasfamilychiropractic.net

Bryan Sullivan is the Executive Vice President of Write Away, Inc. - a public relations and marketing firm based in Weaverville, NC. He also often writes for regional& national publications about local history, farming, culture and food. He graduated with a degree in communications from Alfred University in New York State and then went on to attend culinary school in NYC where he graduated in the top percent of his class. He proceeded to work in high-end restaurants in New York City, Martha's Vineyard, MA and Naples, FL. Bryan currently lives in Asheville, NC with Liisa and their Black Lab, Annie.
For more information, visit:
http://atlasfamilychiropractic.net