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By Northwest Spine and Pain Medicine
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is an often-debilitating condition that affects the hands and wrists significantly impacting the lives of millions of people.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome refers to a disorder where the median nerve, in the wrist gets compressed within a passageway known as the carpal tunnel. This compression can lead to a range of symptoms that affect hand function and cause pain, tingling sensations and numbness.
Anatomy of the Carpal Tunnel:
To grasp an understanding of CTS it’s crucial to familiarize ourselves with the anatomy of the tunnel. This narrow passage is surrounded by bones and ligaments while housing the median nerve for sensations in the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. Compression on this nerve can result in symptoms.
Causes and Risk Factors:
Several factors contribute to developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Repetitive hand movements like typing or assembly line work are culprits. Additionally, conditions such as obesity, arthritis or diabetes may increase your risk of developing CTS. Understanding these causes is crucial, for both preventing and effectively managing the condition.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
You may exhibit a range of symptoms. The main indicators include pain, tingling and numbness in the hand or fingers. These symptoms often worsen at night leading to disruptions in sleep. As the condition progresses individuals may also notice weakness in their hand and an ability to grip objects.
Diagnosis and Early Intervention:
Diagnosing CTS typically involves a combination of assessment and diagnostic tests. Physicians may conduct an examination to evaluate hand strength, sensation and reflexes. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies can be performed to confirm the diagnosis. At NWSPM we offer EMG’s Early intervention plays a role in managing CTS and preventing long term complications.
Treatment Options:
Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome varies depending on the severity of symptoms and underlying causes. Non-surgical approaches often involve using wrist splints to relieve pressure on the median nerve engaging in therapy to strengthen hand muscles and making lifestyle adjustments to reduce strain. Our providers are versed in CTS and offer specialized injections.
Northwest Spine and Pain Medicine (NWSPM) stands out as a center that focuses on the long-term management of musculoskeletal disorders including CTS. The multidisciplinary approach at NWSPM combines the expertise of pain management specialists, physical therapy, EMG testing (when needed) and psychology.
NWSPM employs an approach, to long-term pain management by recognizing that each individual experience with CTS is unique. Treatment plans may include a combination of therapy, pain medication, ergonomic adjustments, and minimally invasive procedures. The objective is not to alleviate symptoms but to enhance overall hand function and improve quality of life.
The success stories of people who have undergone long term pain management at NWSPM highlight the effectiveness of this approach. Patients often share that they experience improvements in their pain levels, increased strength in their hands and a return to their daily activities.
Supplements, Preventive Measures and Making Lifestyle Changes
NWSPM places emphasis on the importance of taking supplements formulated specifically to support joints, tendons, and stem cells. Ageless, available at RarePlanetHealth.com was created specifically to support joints, tendons, and stem cells.* When coupled with our Premium Esterified Fish Oil Concentrate you are adding Omega-3, DHA and EPA to your diet. Omega-3, DHA and EPA can help support joints, heart health, and brain health.*
Northwest Spine and Pain Medicine provides hope, for those seeking long term pain management by combining expertise with a patient centered approach to bring relief and restore functionality to individuals affected by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Ask your PCP for a referral to one of our clinics for a consultation.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.