Chiropractic Massage Safety For Carpal Tunnel

Computers and gadgets, whether they are desktops, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and so forth, have become staples of daily living, especially among millennials. Many of us are so engaged with them through social media, playing games, and browsing the Internet that we often forget to take a break. Also, a significant number of Filipinos perform repetitive work such as typing and other jobs that require individuals to be in front of a computer.

Though signs of modern times, they contribute to heightened incidents of carpal tunnel syndrome. Affected individuals should not panic since chiropractic massage sessions can play a key role in alleviating its symptoms. This write-up delves into the details of how the said massage and other forms of chiro procedures aid in carpal tunnel treatment. It also answers the age-long question: “Is chiropractic therapy safe?” Read on for details.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: An overview

According to Dr. Ida S. Tacata of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery (Philippines), carpal tunnel syndrome is a group of symptoms, which oftentimes is a result of the compression of a major nerve that is located in the wrist. Also known as the median nerve, it provides sensation and is in charge of movement to parts of the hand. It should be noted that the part of the wrist where the nerve enters is called the carpal tunnel.

She added that the term “group of symptoms” is utilized because patients have varying symptoms, but the most common ones are weakness and numbness of the wrist, thumb, index, and middle fingers.

A separate study that was published in the Muscle and Nerve Journal suggests that prolonged use of gadgets can lead to the prevalence of severe pain in the hands as well as wrists. Here, researchers determined that utilizing gadgets (smartphones, tablets, etc.) can heighten an individual’s risk of developing the said ailment.

In the Philippines, according to occupational health data that were compiled by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in 2015, there has been a significant increase of 138% in the number of workers who developed carpal tunnel syndrome from 2011 to 2013. The research also supports the necessity for workplace interventions to boost the health status of the Philippine workforce, particularly employees who are at risk of developing the said syndrome by means of repetitive movements.

How chiropractic massage can help treat carpal tunnel syndrome

Chiropractic care offers holistic as well as non-invasive solutions for carpal tunnel syndrome. The long list includes chiropractic massage and techniques such as carpal tunnel release in an effort to reduce pressure on the median nerve. If done properly, it can provide relief for symptoms that affect the palm side as well as ring fingers.

Through spinal adjustment and manipulation that are complemented by other physical therapies, a chiropractor can boost blood flow in affected areas. Consequently, this can significantly scale down swelling, loosen tension on the nerves, and alleviate inflammation within the carpal tunnel. Afterward, wrist function can be drastically improved in no time. In addition, he or she can perform joint adjustments to various parts of the body to reduce accumulated pressure on the median nerve, which passes through the hand and wrist.

By effectively, efficiently, and safely relieving pain and inflammation, chiropractic care offers a non-invasive alternative for patients who are seeking relief from carpal tunnel symptoms. All this, without the need for medication. Because of this, it immediately eliminates potential side effects that may be developed from the use of painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other forms of medication.

In addition to all these, a professional chiropractor fully understands the importance of having personalized care for patients who experience mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Along the way, he or she can also address underlying issues that include but are not limited to neck and shoulder pain.

Complementary therapies and exercises

On top of performing chiropractic massage and other forms of treatments, a chiropractor may also carry out or perform the following:

Soft tissue therapy

This kind of therapy can loosen restricted muscles that are found around the carpal tunnel. It can boost blood circulation and, in the process, reduce inflammation, relieve tension, and lessen muscle spasms that can exacerbate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Exercise

It should be noted that proper mobility work and strengthening exercises in the wrist, hand, and arm can minimize inflammation. Consequently this can temper the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve conditions. In line with this, a chiro may teach patients the mentioned physical activities in an effort to prevent relapses and maintain long-lasting results.

Ultrasound therapy

Ultrasound therapy is a type of low-level heat treatment that is specifically performed to stimulate soft tissues with the use of sound waves. If done properly by a trained healthcare professional, which in this case is a chiropractor, stiffness can be reduced and scar tissue formations can be softened. This can provide immediate relief from symptoms like tingling in the hand and fingers that are complemented by numbness.

Nutritional recommendations

Nutrition is one of the most neglected aspects of carpal tunnel syndrome treatment. This should not be the case because its symptoms can be worsened by dietary deficiencies and unhealthy eating habits. A chiropractor may offer nutritional counseling and create a food plan that can support the healing process. In general, it may include the intake of food that are rich in magnesium, vitamin B6, and so on.

Summing up

In the end, it can be said that individuals who are affected by carpal tunnel syndrome do not need to push the panic button because all is not lost with regard to their condition. By having regular chiropractic massage sessions and other medical interventions, improved hand function, pain relief, and a variety of health benefits can be achieved in no time. Along the way, underlying issues that are detrimental to overall health can also be addressed. Furthermore, it can be added that their safety is impeccable, to say the least.

Book an appointment and visit us at Posture Perfect if you are experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Our acclaimed chiropractors can employ various procedures that can complement the treatments that you receive. In turn, this may aid in preventing irreversible damage.