Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Find Massage CE Classes
to learn more
Definition:
Carpal Tunnel - a channel in the wrist
surrounded by the 8 carpus bones and the transverse carpal ligament.
Nine flexor tendons and the median nerve
(supplying sensation to the thumb and first three fingers of the hand)
pass through the tunnel.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - entrapment or
compression of the median nerve
Causes: constant flexion and extension
of the wrist causing irritation of the tendons which leads to inflammation
and pressure on the median nerve.
-misalignment of the wrist and carpal
bones causing irritation, inflammation
-acute trauma to the wrist such as fracture
of tenosynovitis
-gout
-arthritic conditions
-tumors
-pregnancy
-diabetes mellitus
-hypothyroidism -
-aspartame
reaction
-Neck and Shoulder Problems are the most common cause of wrist pain.
Signs/Symptoms: tingling, burning, pins
and needles feelings, weakness in the thumb and first three fingers; pain
may occur in the wrist radiating up the arm. Extreme cases can cause
loss of grip strength, muscle atrophy and constant wrist pain in which
the client will drop things.
Tests:
-
tap the inside of the wrist to se if there
is a tingling sensation in the fingertips or hand
-
bend the wrist downward with the thumb and
forefinger touching for one minute -pain may indicate CTS
-
Nerve conduction test should be done to confirm
diagnosis
-
Rule out neck nerve compression causing symptoms
Anatomy of Carpal Tunnel:
9 tendons and the median nerve pass through
the tunnel from the forearm to the hand. Increased pressure in the
tunnel form inflammation in one or many of the tendons irritate the median
nerve.
see also anatomy pictures:
Brachial Plexus
Head/Neck Arteries
Neck Lymphatic System
Head/Neck Muscles
Neck Muscles view 2
Neck Nerve Plexus
Treatment Goals:
-
treat triggerpoints in forearms especially
flexors and extensors
-
correct postural deviations in shoulder, forearm,
wrist
-
Stretching to lengthen tendons
-
icing
-
strengthening after acute stage ( the tendons
are usually to weak to do the repetitive work so they become inflamed)
Other helpful therapies: Naturopathy -B vitamin
supplementation, Chiropractic, Physical Therapy
There are still many physicians who don't
believe in using massage, physical therapy, chiropractic and acupuncture for
such conditions. I have seen many cases of carpal tunnel resolve using
massage and other methods. Surgery is often done as a last resort after
trying everything else. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated successfully
without surgery.
Prevention of Carpal Tunnel syndrome
includes stretching regularly, strengthening the forearm, neck, shoulder and
back muscles, learning about proper postural alignment, getting regular massage
sessions, proper self care including diet, sleep, stress reduction.
Resources:
Assess & Address
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
by Whitney Lowe
Gary Null, ND
Article from his website.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Fact sheet : Published by BUPA's Health Information Team
June 2003
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Prescription for Relief By Michael Young, NCTMB
Unraveling Carpal Tunnel Syndrome By David Weinstock
Touch Research Institute:
"Carpal Tunnel Syndrome "A daily self-massage for stretching
tendons alleviated pain and increased nerve conducting velocity following one
month in adults with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
Field, T.., Diego, M., Cullen, C., Hartsorn, K., Gruskin, A.,
Hernandez-Reif, M.
and Sunshine, W. (2004). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptons are lessened fallowing
massage therapy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies,8, 9-14."
