Am I experiencing symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve which travels from the forearm to the hand through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Compression of the nerve is caused by inflammation or damage to the flexor tendons of the forearm. Symptoms include numbness, tingling and weakness of the hand and fingers and come on gradually and worsen overtime if the condition is not addressed.

The median nerve provides sensation to the thumb, first finger, middle finger, and lateral side of ring finger. If you are presenting with symptoms which do not include these digits, then it is unlikely you are experiencing TRUE carpal tunnel syndrome.

19C Pain Pattern of the Scalene muscles in the neck

Symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the hands and arm can also originate from a nerve entrapment of the brachial plexus nerve further ‘upstream,’ it is therefore important to consider muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle as the source of symptoms as well.

Causes:

• Carpal Tunnel syndrome can be considered a repetitive strain injury, which means activities we do regularly such as typing, playing a musical instrument and driving can cause these symptoms. These activities can also cause tendinitis or bursitis which can contribute to the narrowing of the carpal tunnel, leading to symptoms.

• Some people may be congenitally predisposed to carpal tunnel syndrome as they were born with a small carpal tunnel.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is more common with people aged between 30-60 and it is more common in women.

• Pregnant women may experience symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, due to oedema in the wrist and hands.

Some symptoms include:

Tingling/pins and needles into thumb, first, second and lateral side of third finger

A tingling sensation or pins and needles in the fingers and thumb are the most common symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. This discomfort is brought on by pressure on your median nerve. You may notice that these symptoms get worse after activities which specifically involve you bending your wrist.

Pain is often worse at night

Your symptoms may be more noticeable at nighttime, due to the fact that you are likely sleeping with bent wrists. This is one of the reasons why doctors may suggest you wear wrist splints at bedtime.

Pain may travel up the arm and even into the shoulder

You may also experience pain that starts in your wrist and rises to your shoulder, as the carpal tunnel worsens. As time goes on, the median nerve that runs into your hand becomes more compressed, resulting in more intense pain that may radiate up your arm into your shoulder.

Clinical Massage can be effective at treating the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, so if you are experiencing any symptoms, please get in touch.

07920194241

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