Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by an irritation of the Median nerve, one of the nerves that comes from the neck and enters your wrist and supplies your hands and fingers. The work carpal refers to the 8 bones in the wrist. The tunnel is formed on top by a ligament that runs across the carpal bones and on the bottom by the carpal bones themselves. The median nerve runs through this tunnel and controls the feelings and muscle strength of the first three fingers, as well as the palm of your hand, exactly where people with CTS notice most of their symptoms. Overuse, improper use, as well as repetitive strain of the forearm and wrist are just a few of the ways this nerve gets irritated, resulting in tingling and pain in the hands and fingers.

People who do any type of repetitive movements with their hands and wrists are susceptible to this problem. This risk of developing CTS is even higher in people doing activities such as sewing, assembly line work, or jobs such as manufacturing, cleaning, or typing. Women are three times more likely than men to develop these symptoms as well as people with diabetes or other metabolic disorders.

Treatment for CTS may include chiropractic care, medical care or both. Surgery is a common treatment offered to people suffering from CTS, however, depending on the cause of the irritation, conservative care is often just as effective.  Targeted Soft Tissue Therapy, Acupuncture, Physiotherapy Chiropractic, Functional Rehabilitation and nutritional counselling are all effective components of a well-structures treatment plan for CTS.

Prevention however, is always best! First stretch your forearms and fingers before beginning work and at frequent intervals throughout. Secondly, alternate tasks to reduce the amount of repetitive movements that strain your wrists. Last but not least, modify or change your daily activities that put pressure on your wrists.