Surgery and injections aren't the only options
Most people believe that there is only one way to definitively treat carpal tunnel syndrome: going under the knife. However, you may be surprised to know that 57% of those who choose to undergo carpal tunnel release surgery have their symptoms return within 2 years. If the symptoms aren't resolving with a carpal tunnel surgical release of the median nerve, then perhaps a new approach should be taken.
Historical approach to carpal tunnel
Historically it has been taught that repetitive actions such as typing on a computer causes a ligament, called the flexor retinaculum, to flatten in the wrist. This flattening was thought to cause pinching of the median nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel. Because the median nerve is pinched, it doesn't transmit normally to the hand, causing odd symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the hand.
If this flattening ligament theory was correct, then it would seem that a carpal tunnel release by cutting that ligament would decrease patient's symptoms completely. However, as was stated earlier, symptoms often do return. This would suggest that the nerve is being compressed from something else rather than the ligament.
By OpenStax College - Anatomy & Physiology, Connexions Web site. http://cnx.org/content/col11496/1.6/, Jun 19, 2013., CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30131518
The source of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A 2005 study was done in which ultrasound was used to see if it could be a good means of visualizing a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome. What they found was interesting because instead of seeing a flattening of the ligament that covers the wrist, they found that it bowed out when people have carpal tunnel syndrome.
The most logical explanation for this bowing is that the bones that form the carpal tunnel have moved toward the ligament and have pinned the median nerve. The migration of these bones can cause the ligament to bow out and this in turn can compress the nerve.
Time for a new approach to carpal tunnel release
Joint mobilization, also known as adjustments, have been proven to be very effective in reducing carpal tunnel symptoms. By moving the bones away from the median nerve, it gives it a chance to transmit without interference.
Additionally, studies have shown that acupuncture has been shown to reduce carpal tunnel symptoms and help the nerve to heal.
If you have any of the following symptoms you may be a great candidate for care at Clear Route Health Partners:
- Numbness in the fingers
- Shooting pain in the hands
- Wrist pain
- Painful hands at night
People throughout the Orlando area come to Dr. Joel Dayton to treat their carpal tunnel syndrome. As Orlando's only Hand and Foot Chiropractor, he focuses on non-surgical and natural treatment of the hands and feet.