When the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, it can be extremely painful. This pain is known as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The median nerve can experience pain from many different anatomical locations because it is not the only nerve that connects to the hand. This means that if you experience any symptoms, for example, hand numbness, it could possibly not be CTS. We see many patients with carpal tunnel syndrome problems here in Lacey Olympia.
Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) or the ulnar nerve at the inner elbow is the next common nerve punch. Too much use of the arm like lifting things with the palm up causes this. CuTS and CTS are similar, but the difference is the pinky and ring finger are impacted, while the index, middle, and thumb-side ring finger are not. These are impacted by CTS, being the median nerve-innervantes fingers. Both conditions can co-occur because over use is a frequent course of CTS. If this is the case, all five fingers have the possibility to be impacted.
Another common location for a pinched nerve is the shoulder. This is
The shoulder is yet another fairly common location for a pinched nerve and is referred to as “thoracic outlet syndrome” (TOS). The most common nerve pinched here affects the fourth and fifth fingers, similar to CuTS; however, with TOS the upper arm is also affected, not just the elbow to the inner hand.
Another relatively common location for a pinched nerve affecting the arm is at the neck, often from a herniated disk and/or an arthritic spur where the nerve exits the spine. Depending on which nerve is compressed and the amount of compression, the numbness/tingling can affect different parts of the arm and/or hand.
Doctors of chiropractic are trained to differentiate between these various “syndromes” and to safely deliver treatment to the affected joints, muscles, and other soft tissues to reduce pain and restore proper motion so patients can return to their normal activities of daily living.
So if you are losing hours at work, sleep or the things you are enjoying in life because of carpal tunnel syndrome problems, give us a call 360-951-4504 or simply walk in to our chiropractic clinic in Lacey Olympia WA. You can also read more on carpal tunnel syndrome as well.
