If you experience a pain that runs from your wrist to the palm of your hand, it’s probably Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. CTS happens when the median nerve in your hand and the nerves in your carpal tunnel are compressed.
While the leading cause of CTS is congenital predisposition, meaning the carpal tunnel is smaller in some people than it should be, there are various occurrences that can cause a person to develop it.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Spraining or fracturing the wrist
- Overactivity of the pituitary gland
- Whiplash
- Hypothyroidism
- Chronic wrist problems
- Work stress
- Repeated use of vibrating hand tools
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Fluid retention during pregnancy
- Fluid retention during menopause
- Development of a cyst in the canal
- Development of a tumor in the canal
So, who is at risk of getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Well, everyone. But women are more likely than men to develop CTS. One theory is that the higher risk is due to women’s carpal tunnels being smaller then mens’.
While the bad news is everyone is at risk of developing CTS, the good news is everyone is also able to take steps to prevent it.
Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Stretch your fingers and hands
- Take frequent breaks to rest your fingers and hands
- Wear a splint (This will help keep your wrist straight)
- Use correct posture
- Use correct wrist position
- Use an ergonomic keyboard
- Switch which hands you use
- Massage your wrists, palms, and fingers
Of course, while you can take steps to lessen the pain, you will need to seek the proper care to eliminate the condition altogether. An upper cervical chiropractor can examine you to determine the underlying cause of your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, so you can take the right steps toward living a pain free lifestyle.
To find an upper cervical specialist in your area go to http://www.NUCCA.org/ or if you are in the Chicago, Illinois area contact us at (224) 676-1920 to schedule an appointment.
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Dr. Young Chung of NUCCA Wellness Clinic of Chicago, with a location in Chicago and a 2nd location in Wheeling is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves Northbrook, Long Grove, Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove and Vernon Hills. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, whiplash injuries, post-concussion syndrome. This type of care has also shown benefits for athletic performance and pregnancy outcomes. More information can be found on our website at http://www.NUCCAwellnessChicago.com/