As trusted chiropractors and physical therapists in Marietta, we see many patients each year suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. We may be known for being your car accident doctors that you call when you’ve been in an accident, but whether or not it’s due to an accident or due to a degenerative disease, we understand that this pain in your arm, hand, and wrist is disruptive to your life. We can help you identify that carpal tunnel feeling and why carpal tunnel might be more painful at night. We’ll run you through the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and prevention for carpal tunnel.
What Does Carpal Tunnel Pain Feel Like?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a painful condition in which the median nerve of the hand and arm becomes compressed. The carpal tunnel is a narrow band that runs through the side of the hand and up the arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome often presents as a tingling, burning, or numb sensation in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. You might also feel a sensation like “pins and needles” or even mild to moderate pain in the palm of your hand, especially during activities like typing or using a phone. Some people experience a sensation of weakness in their grip, making it harder to hold objects.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel
While there are things that can cause a more sudden onset of symptoms, for the most part, carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms begin slowly and progress over time. The main symptoms that people describe when it comes to what carpal tunnel feels like include tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand or arm.
Tingling and numbness typically start in your fingers or your hand. This will often present itself in your thumb or index finger, but not your pinky finger. For some, the feeling of carpal tunnel will not be so painful, but like some small electric shocks. These sensations often continue from your hand, through your wrist, and up your arm. While they can wake you from your sleep or occur when you’re sitting still, it’s more likely you’ll notice these little shocks while holding something- maybe the steering wheel of the car, your phone, or a cup of coffee.
Because of the numbness or shocking sensations running through your hands, you may experience some weakness in your hands. This weakness can be due in part to the tingling sensation, but it can also be because the median nerve in the hand can affect the strength of the hand, particularly in the thumb’s pinching abilities.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
As we mentioned, carpal tunnel syndrome is named after the carpal tunnel, which is a passageway that runs from your hand up your arm. The median nerve runs through this passageway and, when compressed, can cause the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
There’s no one root cause of carpal tunnel syndrome, but it’s likely the combination of several underlying factors, which we’ll discuss more in-depth below. Carpal tunnel is caused by anything that irritates the median nerve of the wrist. In some cases, trauma, such as a break or sprain from a sports injury or car accident, can contribute to additional, ongoing issues like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Risk Factors of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
While there’s not just one cause of carpal tunnel syndrome, the pain or discomfort you feel may be a direct result of the irritation or damage to the median nerve that the following conditions or circumstances cause.
- Bone formation – Bone formation or deformation due to fractures, dislocation, or arthritis causes the small bones in your wrist to interact with the carpal tunnel differently than they’re supposed to. This can put pressure on the median nerve. Additionally, some people have genetically smaller carpal tunnels and may be prone to carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Gender – Carpal tunnel syndrome is more often found in women. This may be due to their naturally smaller wrists and naturally smaller carpal tunnels.
- Nerve-Damaging Conditions – Diabetes and other conditions that cause nerve damage may contribute to the feelings of carpal tunnel.
- Inflammatory Conditions – Arthritis and other inflammatory conditions can cause the lining of tendons in your arm, wrist, and hand to swell. This can lead to pressure on the median nerve, which causes symptoms.
- Changes in Body Fluid – Women who are pregnant retain more fluid, which can irritate the median nerve. This is a common side effect of pregnancy and usually goes away after pregnancy.
- Workplace Conditions – Repetitive work or actions like manufacturing or prolonged repetitive motions involving the wrist can increase the likelihood of carpal tunnel syndrome. Some studies suggest that constant computer work like typing or using a mouse can contribute to carpal tunnel, but these findings are inconsistent.
Prevention of Carpal Tunnel
Because there is no one cause and no particular cure for carpal tunnel syndrome, there is no proven, definitive strategy for preventing carpal tunnel syndrome. But, in addition to routine chiropractic care and physical therapy, there are a few tips and techniques you can practice in order to minimize your symptoms.
- Relax Your Grip – It may sound silly, but loosening your grip when doing things like writing or when working on a computer can have a big impact. Practice relaxing your shoulders, arms, wrists, and fingers until your fingers are gently typing on the keys. If you have to grip something as part of your daily job, work on relaxing your grip as well. The more rigid you are while you perform tasks involving your wrist and hands, the more you could aggravate the median nerve.
- Give Yourself a Break- Short, frequent breaks in which you stretch or shake out your hands can make a big difference. Alternate tasks you perform, if possible, so you’re not spending so much time repeatedly doing the same task, putting stress on your median nerve.
- Improve Your Posture – Chiropractors and physical therapists can help reinforce good posture. Bad posture forces your shoulders forward, which causes compression in the neck. This can trickle down to the arms, wrists, and hands, causing carpal tunnel symptoms to flare.
Relieving Pain from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you’re wondering, “How do I relieve pain from carpal tunnel syndrome?” you’ve come to the right place! The common symptoms of carpal tunnel, including tingling, numbness, and pain in the hand and wrist, can make it difficult to go about your everyday activities. Fortunately, there are various strategies for relieving pain from carpal tunnel syndrome, ranging from conservative home treatments to professional interventions.
Wrist Bracing
One of the most effective ways to relieve carpal tunnel pain is by using wrist braces or splints. These devices help to immobilize the wrist and keep it in a neutral position, minimizing pressure on the median nerve. It’s particularly beneficial to wear a brace at night, as many people unconsciously bend their wrists while sleeping, exacerbating symptoms. By maintaining a straight wrist, you can reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
Regular stretching and strengthening exercises can significantly alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Gentle wrist and hand stretches help improve flexibility and circulation. For example, you can perform wrist flexor and extensor stretches by holding your arm out straight and gently pulling back on your fingers with the opposite hand. Additionally, strengthening exercises for the hand and forearm can help build muscle support around the median nerve, providing more stability.
Ergonomic Adjustments
If your work involves repetitive wrist movements, making ergonomic adjustments is crucial. This may include adjusting your keyboard height, using a wrist rest, or switching to an ergonomic mouse. Keeping your wrists in a neutral position while typing can reduce strain. Regular breaks during prolonged activities are also important; aim for a brief rest every 30 minutes to shake out your hands and stretch your wrists.
Cold and Heat Therapy
Applying cold or heat to the affected area can provide temporary relief from carpal tunnel pain. Cold therapy, such as ice packs wrapped in a cloth, can help reduce swelling and numb sharp pain. Apply it for 15-20 minutes several times a day. On the other hand, heat therapy, like warm towels or heating pads, can help relax muscles and improve blood flow. Experiment with both methods to see which provides more relief for your symptoms.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or naproxen, can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. However, it’s essential to use these medications as directed and consult a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Physical Therapy
If your symptoms don’t go away with home treatments, seeking the help of a physical therapist may be beneficial. A physical therapist can provide you with tailored exercises and techniques to improve your wrist strength and flexibility. They may also incorporate treatment techniques such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to relieve pain and inflammation in the affected area.
Chiropractic Care
Some people experience pain relief through drug-free alternative therapies like chiropractic care. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to address pain by stimulating specific points in the body for realigning the spine and joints. This can also help reduce pressure on nearby nerves, including those in the wrist.
Medical Interventions
If conservative measures don’t do enough to alleviate your symptoms, visit your Marietta doctor for more information. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and swelling around the median nerve. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerve by cutting the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel.
Carpal Tunnel Treatment at AICA Marietta
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the median nerve of your wrists. It can cause minor pain and numbness in the hands, wrist, and arm. While symptoms are typically mild, without any treatment, permanent nerve damage can occur. It’s best to see a doctor if your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are interfering with your daily life or getting worse. At AICA Marietta, our experienced team of specialists offers comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans designed to alleviate your symptoms and restore your quality of life. Don’t wait—schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward relief!
FAQs About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Q: Is it carpal tunnel or something else?
A: Carpal tunnel syndrome can mimic other conditions, such as tendonitis or nerve compression in other areas like the elbow or neck. If your symptoms include tingling, numbness, or pain predominantly in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, it could indicate carpal tunnel syndrome. But if your pain and discomfort extends to other parts of the arm or varies in nature, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional to rule out other conditions like arthritis or cervical radiculopathy.
Q: Can carpal tunnel cause elbow pain?
A: While carpal tunnel syndrome primarily affects the wrist and hand, it can sometimes cause discomfort or pain that radiates up the arm toward the elbow. This is because of how the median nerve is being compressed at the wrist, which can create referred pain along its pathway. However, if your primary symptoms are in the elbow, it may be worth evaluating for conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome, which affects a different nerve.
Q: Does carpal tunnel cause shoulder pain?
A: Carpal tunnel syndrome is not typically associated with direct shoulder pain, but it can cause discomfort that radiates up the arm, sometimes making the shoulder feel sore or tense. If shoulder pain is a prominent symptom, it might be due to a separate issue, such as a rotator cuff problem or nerve compression in the neck. Consulting a healthcare professional can help determine whether the shoulder pain is related to carpal tunnel or another condition.