The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway made up of ligaments and bones. It is found at the base of your hand and houses your median nerve that provides feeling to the palm side of the thumb and other fingers, except your pinky. The median nerve also controls some small muscles at the base of your thumb. Your carpal tunnel also houses the tendons that bend your fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when your median nerve gets pressed or squeezed, either from thickening of the lining of irritated tendons, or from other swelling that narrows the tube and causes the median nerve to become compressed. Carpal tunnel results in numbness, weakness, or pain in your hand and wrist. This pain occasionally travels into your arms.

To accurately diagnose your carpal tunnel syndrome, the doctors at Chiropractic Life Center review your medical history and discuss the duration and pattern of your symptoms, including whether or not they occur while holding a phone or newspaper, or gripping the steering wheel of your car. It’s not uncommon for carpal tunnel symptoms to wake you at night.

Additionally, either Dr. Leo or Dr. Courtney perform a physical examination during which the feeling in your fingers and the strength of the muscles in your hand gets tested. One of the doctors will also bend your wrist and tap or press on your median nerve, as these actions tend to trigger symptoms.

Additionally, the doctors at Chiropractic Life Center use motion X-rays to verify your diagnosis and ensure your pain isn’t due to another type of ailment. Motion X-rays help to determine where the joints are moving easily and where they are restricted.

Once you get diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, it’s essential to take steps to reduce pain and inflammation, including:

• Frequent breaks to rest your hands
• Avoid activities that worsen your symptoms
• Apply cold packs to reduce swelling
• Splinting and other conservative treatments help with mild to moderate symptoms occurring for less than ten months

The team at Chiropractic Life Center also use neck traction known as the Pettibon System, which includes the use of rehabilitation tools and emphasizes spine and posture correction, nutrition, and muscular development. The Pettibon System allows you to be an active participant in your care.