Feeling overworked? It may not all be in your head. Your body can be a great indicator of when you need to dial things back and focus on taking care of yourself. One of the most common indicators of overwork is carpal tunnel. Constant typing is believed to be one of the causes of carpal tunnel, but the anatomy of your wrist and certain underlying health problems can also be factors.
What is carpal tunnel exactly? Essentially, it’s a pinched nerve in your wrist. According to your Renton chiropractors here at Petett Chiropractic, the median nerve is the major nerve that controls the thumb, index finger and parts of the middle finger. The nerve travels through the bones in your wrist, past your elbow, up the arm and through your shoulder, neck and connects to your spinal cord. When the median nerve gets compressed, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs.
Pain is the one of the most common symptoms, but numbness, tingling and weakness are also results of this nerve compression. Once symptoms occur, it is important to treat them as soon as possible. There are numerous options when it comes to treatment. Wrist splinting, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids are less invasive, but surgery is another option as well. The goal of surgery is to relieve the pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament that is pressing on the nerve.
Your Renton chiropractors suggest another alternative that does not include drugs or surgery. Chiropractic care, such as alignments and specified exercises, has produced excellent results for those suffering from carpal tunnel.
There are a few things that you can do yourself to minimize stress on your hands and wrists. These suggestions are not only good for preventing carpal tunnel, but are also great for you overall health.
- Reduce your force and relax your grip
- Take frequent breaks
- Watch your form
- Improve your posture
Don’t hesitate to give your local Renton chiropractors a call at 425-277-2225 if you do start to feel the initial symptoms of carpal tunnel. All of us here at Petett are focused on helping your feel your best!