Causes and Natural Treatments For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Simply being aware and implementing a few easy techniques at home and work, people can prevent repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome from occurring and have many years of good health .

Carpal tunnel syndrome are a numbness or tingling in the hands, a burning sensation in the fingers or sharp pains shooting up the arm,. With carpal tunnel syndrome it can be difficult to differentiate between hot from cold by touch. An apparent loss of hand and wrist strength is often experienced. Neurological findings are reversible especially if the symptoms are intermittent.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (cts) results when the median nerve does not work properly. This is thought to occur when there is too much pressure on the median nerve as it runs down the forearm into the wrist through the carpal tunnel. It becomes easier to understand how this occurs by understanding some of the anatomy of the wrist. The median nerve supplies sensation to the index finger, long finger, thumb, and half of the ring finger. A branch of the median nerve supplies sensation to the muscles of the thumb, the thinner muscles. These muscles are very important as they help move the thumb so that you can touch the other fingers.

The median nerve begins at the base of the skull. It may become irritated anywhere along the path to the hand. Possible causes of irritation are misaligned bones in the neck, tight neck muscles , shoulder problems, inflamed tendons and misaligned bones in the carpal area can all result in irritating the median nerve. The wrist and neck are both areas for the median nerve to become irritated. When there is irritation in both areas, it is called a “double crush syndrome. ” Wrist only surgeries often overlook the neck contribution resulting in continuing problems as the patient continues to experience carpal tunnel symptoms.

Changes in the balance of body fluids resulting from pregnancy, menopause, thyroid, kidney disorders, and diabetes contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Nerve damage from alcoholism, or physical damage to the wrist area produces inflammation that increases symptoms of pain and numbness.

Poor posture (such as sitting with slumped shoulders) can cause irritation of the median nerve especially in the shoulder area as well as slips or falls, repetitive movements improperly done over time, awkward hand positions and hobbies such as bowling or tennis.

Your diet can be a major factor in CTS. A diet that insures that you are getting the necessary nutrients and minerals is essential for bodily healing. Do research on diets or seek out nutritional consultants.

There are several alternative procedures to consider to help relieve the symptoms. Ultrasound therapy has been effective in that it raises the temperature of the carpal tunnel promoting healing Several energy techniques are becoming popular. Acupuncture and acupressure are nonsurgical alternative forms of treatment worthy of consideration. Yoga is also worth looking into for carpal tunnel syndrome relief. Yoga releasing techniques are very beneficial. Also seek out the assistance of a chiropractor. Chiropractors are trained in the relationship that nerves, muscles, and tendons have to each other.