Did you know carpal tunnel syndrome is the most expensive of all work-related injuries? It is especially common in assembly-line workers, and those with a lot of repetitive motions with their hands (though not necessarily those who type a lot on a computer). It can be extremely painful, and usually occurs in the dominant hand.

The source is a problem in the median nerve, which runs down the forearm and into the hand. If that nerve gets compressed in the carpal tunnel (a narrow spot in the wrist), it can result in pain, weakness, and numbness radiating up into the forearm. Symptoms often start with a patient reporting fingers that feel useless and swollen, difficulty forming a fist and grasping things, or losing the sensation of hot and cold in the fingers.

Whenever possible, CTS should be diagnosed and treated early. This begins with a standard physical examination, and then a series of tests to produce the symptoms. It is sometimes appropriate to utilize labs and imaging. Treatments can include rest, activity avoidance, immobilization of the wrist, ice, pain medication, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, stretching and strengthening exercises, and sometimes surgery if the conservative treatments do not produce the results needed.

Dr. Michael Herb is trained to diagnose and treat carpal tunnel syndrome, and our clinic regularly sees and treats patients with a Workman’s Compensation Claim from a Workplace Injury. If you’d like to learn more about the services offered at Absolute Wellness Center in Eugene, OR, including sports medicine, chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, and massage, just give us a call at 541-484-5777.

To read more, including tips on preventing carpal tunnel syndrome, check out the ACA’s Get Healthy Blog: HealthyLiving_CarpalTunnelSyndrome