Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, can Chiropractic Help?

 

How specific chiropractic care can help.

The major nerve controlling the thumb, index, and parts of the middle, and ring finger is called the median nerve. From the tip of your fingers, it travels through the bones in your wrist, past your elbow, up your arm, through your shoulder and neck, and finally to your spinal cord. Problems can develop in one or more of these areas.

The carpal “tunnel” is formed by bones in the wrist. The median nerve, tendons, and blood vessels pass through this opening. If one or more of the bones forming this tunnel should “collapse”, inflammation, nerve pressure, and painful symptoms can result.

The median nerve connects to the spinal cord through openings between several bones in the lower neck. When these spinal bones lose their normal motion or position, they can cause problems in the fingers and wrist.

After a thorough examination, your chiropractic doctor will perform specific adjustments where needed, to help normalize structure and reduce nerve irritation. When given time, conservative, chiropractic care has produced excellent results with carpal tunnel problems—without drugs or surgery.


Repetitive hand and wrist motion.

Every day, assembly line workers, keyboard operators, grocery store clerks, and many others, receive micro-traumas to their hands and wrists. Vibration and repetitive motions, when combined with spinal problems and other joint dysfunction, can result in a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or a loss of strength in the hands.

If placing your hands back to back produces an increase in numbness, tingling or pain, you could have a carpal tunnel problem.

Have someone try to pull your thumb and finger apart.
If your fingers seem weak, it could be related to a carpal tunnel problem.

Specific tests will be performed to see if spinal nerves are involved. Specific chiropractic adjustments can help return malfunctioning joints to a more normal motion and position.


THE CHIROPRACTIC LIFESTYLE

Chiropractors are experts in the care of the bones, nerves, muscles and connective tissues that make up about 60% of your body. All of the joints in your body are part of this musculo-skeletal system and its optimal function is necessary for overall good health. Schedule your appointment today with Dr. Craig French of Chiropractic Wellness at Brier Creek for more information about a care program that may include specific spinal adjustments, exercise recommendations, nutritional advice or other conservative methods of care based on your health history, age, current condition and lifestyle.

Stiletto's and The Chiropractic Perspective!!!!

OUCH!!!!

Written By: Sherry French

Ok Ladies, I know we all have been there, we have worn these type of shoes at some point in our lives.  When I was in my twenties and thirties, even during three pregnancies I wore high heels ( I know crazy, but a girl needs to feel sexy even at 9 months pregnant, RIGHT!). I still wear a high wedge at times, but that does give a different level of support then a stiletto.  Being married to a Chiropractor has given me a different perspective on the health of my spine, as well as educating me on the importance of good spinal support and health.

Here is an article I found and wanted to share with you regards High Heels and Chiropractic.


Two publications carried an article based upon a release by the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress. The articles from the January 2, 2008 Hudson Valley Press, and the January 8, 2008 Indiana Star, discuss the perils of high heels from a chiropractic perspective.  Dr. Gerard Clum spokesperson for the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress and president of Life Chiropractic College West in Hayward, California starts the article off by stating, "From a health standpoint, there's no good side to heels."

The FCP release notes that wearing high heels changes the biomechanics of walking, therefore affecting the foot, leg and spine. Dr. Clum notes, "Dangers associated with wearing high heels affect the entire body, particularly the knee, hip, and back." He continued, "The abnormal weight-bearing and stressful posture induced by high heels can strain both the low back and the neck, not to mention the foot, ankle, and knee."

The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress made several recommendations for women who wear high heels.

These are:
If high heels must be worn, Dr. Clum advises not to wear them for more than two hours a day. He states, "Many high-heeled shoes do not allow for proper space and movement of the toes.

Typically, the pointy toe of the shoe causes pain in the front of the foot, which creates pressure on the metatarsals." Doctors at the Foundation are not suggesting flat shoes but they do suggest wearing heels of two inches or less as a compromise. Dr. Clum summed up the chiropractic perspective by saying, "The vast majority of women who come for chiropractic treatment do not associate the heel height of their shoes with their ailments. It is important for women to realize that their everyday choices, including what shoes to wear, will affect their entire body, not only their feet."

If you are experiencing foot pain or lower back pain and have been a big supporter of high heels in your life, give
Dr. Craig French a call at 919-596-2900 for an exam.