The carpal tunnel is the passageway in
the wrist and is made up of the arching carpal bones (eight bones in the wrist)
and the ligament connecting the pillars of the arch (the transverse carpal
ligament). The median nerve and the tendons that connect the fingers to the
muscles of the forearm pass through the tightly spaced tunnel.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes pinched due to
swelling of the nerve or tendons or both. The median nerve provides sensation to
the palm side of the thumb, index, middle fingers, as well as the inside half of
the ring finger and muscle power to the thumb. When this nerve becomes pinched,
numbness, tingling and sometimes pain of the affected fingers and hand may occur
and radiate into the forearm.
While there are many possible causes of carpal tunnel syndrome, the vast
majority of people with the condition have no known cause.
However, we do know that excessive repetitive movements of the arms, wrists or
hands can aggravate the carpal tunnel bringing out the symptoms of carpal tunnel
syndrome. Untreated, this can become chronic, but when detected early, carpal
tunnel syndrome can be treated and recovery is possible in a few months. Severe
carpal tunnel syndrome can also be treated, but recovery may take up to a year
or longer and may not be complete.What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome?
Usually, people with carpal tunnel syndrome first notice that their fingers
"fall asleep" and become numb at night. They often wake up with
numbness and tingling in their hands. The feeling of burning pain and numbness
may generally run up the center of the person's forearm, sometimes as far as the
shoulder. As carpal tunnel syndrome becomes more severe, symptoms are noticed
during the day.What Happens in Severe Cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
When chronic irritation occurs around the median nerve, it becomes constricted
and is continually pushed against the ligament above it. When the nerve is
continually constricted, it can become compressed to the point that it begins to
deteriorate. This results in a slowing of nerve impulses, which may cause a loss
of feeling in the fingers and a loss of strength and coordination at the base of
the thumb. If the condition is not treated, it could result in permanent
deterioration of muscle tissue.
View a pamphlet on how Upper Cervical Care can help with Carpal Tunnel.
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©Cedar Valley Upper Cervical 2008