Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition involving pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the bones of the wrist (the carpel bones) via the Carpel Tunnel. The Carpel Tunnel allows important structures such as blood vessels and nerves to pass into the hand.

The most common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is a misalignment of the carpal bones in the wrist causing the size of the carpal tunnel itself to be reduced and putting pressure on the structures within.

Common symptoms include pain (which usually worsens at night); numbness or tingling sensations; loss of grip strength; and in severe cases, atrophy (withering away) of the musculature in the palm of the hand.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is aggravated by repetitive motion and is commonly seen in occupations such as computer operators, assembly line workers, and cashiers.

There are several ways to treat this condition though most treatments only address the symptoms of the problem and not the actual cause. Medications will temporarily relieve the pain and discomfort, but without treating the cause, the symptoms frequently return. Surgery is a more radical treatment which relieves the pressure in the tunnel. Unfortunately, scarring often occurs with this procedure causing the pressure in the tunnel to return.

Chiropractic manipulation of the affected carpal bones (and often the related spinal area) can restore the proper biomechanics of the wrist thus correcting the actual cause of the problem. This treatment is very effective and is a more conservative approach than medicine and surgery.

Specific exercises can be done to strengthen the wrist musculature which can help speed recovery and help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from recurring.

Simple changes in the workplace can also be made (such as chair height if working on a keyboard) to reduce the risk of this problem occurring. Remember it is easier to stay well than it is to get well. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is easier to prevent than it is to recover from. Take the initiative to prevent this disorder from occurring by keeping the bones of your wrists in proper alignment and keeping your Carpel Tunnel functioning the way it was meant to.