Natural Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a disorder that occurs when the fibrous sheath covering the front of your wrist becomes too tight, causing compression on the median nerve, a nerve that supplies the muscles and skin of the thumb-side of your hand.  Signs and symptoms of the disorder may include numbness or tingling in the hand and fingers, pain in the hand or wrist, or even weakness in the muscles of the hand.  You may notice the pain or weakness when you are squeezing or holding objects such as a pen or door knob. Repetitive activities such as typing or writing may also cause you to feel these symptoms.  

​

I have composed a series of articles discussing how chiropractic care can be incorporated in the treatment plan for a variety of different conditions.  Chiropractic adjustments, in addition to making you feel good due to freeing up irritation to the nervous system, can be an effective tool to assist in the management many different conditions.  Since your nervous system is involved in nearly every function in your body, having a healthy nervous system is essential to maintaining good health! I hope you enjoy this series! Please let me know if you would like to see other conditions discussed in the future!

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that is commonly seen in the chiropractic setting and that can usually be effectively managed conservatively.  After conducting an exam, your chiropractor will give you a treatment plan to address your condition.  This treatment plan will likely consist of in-office treatment, as well as home care recommendations.  In the office, she may also administer adjustments to your wrist if areas of joint fixation are found in that area.  There are eight tiny bones in your wrist! Misalignment of these bones may further compress your carpal tunnel and worsen the compression of the median nerve.  Providing an adjustment in the form of traction (stretching) or through the use of a low-force instrument, may assist in opening up your carpal tunnel.  Your doctor may also offer support in the form of bracing or athletic taping to allow your carpal tunnel to open up as the inflammation dies down.  Finally, she may recommend certain lifestyle modifications or ergonomic retraining, as well as home exercises or stretches to help retrain your muscles and relax the tension in your wrist.  Your treatment recommendations depend on your condition and the way in which you acquired your specific problem.  

  

There are several different conditions that present with symptoms similar to those of carpal tunnel and it is therefore a condition that is often misdiagnosed.  Therefore, if you think you may have this condition, be sure to visit your chiropractor so that she may examine the area to determine the correct diagnosis.  

​

Dr. Alesha Fleming

Natural Health and Wellness Chiropractic, LLC

Daytona Beach, FL

​

Dr. Fleming is a family chiropractor in Daytona Beach, Florida.  She is passionate about preventative health care and nutrition and enjoys empowering her patients to improve their health and fitness, one day at a time!