Carpal Tunnel - Gonstead ATX

With so much of the population relying on the computer for informtion, work, and entertainment, we have seen a rise in discomfort: that dull ache in your wrist, an annoying tingling sensation in your thumb, and pain in the tendons of your forearm whenever you move your fingers.

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel vs. Repetitive Stress Syndrome

Though painful, most likely it is not carpal tunnel syndrome.

It is much more likely you have developed repetitive stress syndrome, which can be effectively treated at Gonstead Chiropractic & Wellness.

Our carpal tunnel treatment works especially well to relieve repetitive stress syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Diagnosis

Repetitive stress syndrome is often misdiagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome by family physicians, internists, and even many orthopedists.

The doctor thinks, “wrist pain and thumb pain, it must be carpal tunnel” which leads to a lot of unnecessary neurological testing, needless medication, and unwarranted surgeries. Instead, try out our carpal tunnel treatment.

Carpal Tunnel Test

True carpal tunnel syndrome is caused when there is pressure or inflammation on the median nerve which passes through a series of three bones in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. The syndrome is actually uncommon and usually associated with pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, or decreased thyroid activity. (1,2)

There is a quick test to see if you might be a victim of carpal tunnel syndrome. Place the tips of your thumb and index finger together, forming a circle. Hold the circle closed while another person tries to pry your fingers apart. If your fingers are strong and can keep the circle closed, you probably don’t have carpal tunnel syndrome.

The wrist, tendon, and forearm pain most of us experience after too much time at the computer is due to repetitive stress syndrome–essentially, too much of the same activity repeated frequently over too long a time.

Often the pain felt in the hands is actually caused by the tightening of the muscles in the neck and brachial plexus of the shoulder.

Carpal Tunnel Solutions: First Try This

The primary solution is rest and avoidance of repetitive or irritating activities. In practice, rest can be relative. (3)

For instance, one key approach for computer-related repetitive stress is to begin using the opposite hand to do mouse, or trackpad activities and periodically switch hands. Or adjust your office chair properly so that there isn’t any tension through your neck and shoulders as you sit.

Carpal Tunnel Treatment

At Gonstead Chiropractic & Wellness, our carpal tunnel treatment can help with those issues that are not resolved with rest alone.

If you or someone you know is suffering from carpal tunnel or repetitive stress syndrome, schedule an appointment today and enjoy decreased pain, greater mobility, and a renewed focus on the work you want to get done.