Denver Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Health Center

Have you noticed more and more that your cashier at the grocery store or the clerk at the DMV is wearing a splint on their wrist? Carpal tunnel syndrome has become more and more common amongst hard workers who go through repetitive motions daily and have inflammation at their wrist as a result. Whether you are in Denver or somewhere else in the US carpal tunnel syndrome is prevalent. Carpal tunnel symptoms consist of numbness and tingling at your wrist and usually into your first three fingers.

It happens from irritation of the median nerve, which passes through the tunnel. Some carpal tunnel sufferers describe their fingers as feeling useless or swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent. They could be experiencing excessive inflammation in their body, which is the cause of the median nerve irritation. Consider these anti-inflammatory dietary changes to decrease inflammation and recover the normal function of your hands:

• …Continue Reading

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most expensive work-related injuries. A carpal tunnel patient loses approximately $30,000 in time absent from work and medical bills over the course of their lifetime. CTS is prevalent in adults, and over 75% of all patients are women. The stronger hand is generally affected first and the pain can be quite severe. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is very common in workers in sewing, cleaning, meatpacking, manufacturing and other similar industries. Despite the common perception, according to recent research, data entry workers, (up to 7 hours a day at a computer) are not more likely to develop CTS.

So what exactly is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

CTS involves the median nerve, which runs from the neck to the hand. The pain occurs when this nerve gets compressed inside the carpal tunnel, which is a narrow tunnel in the wrist. The tunnel is made up of bones and soft tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels. Compression in this area results in pain, weakness, and possibly even numbness in both the hand and wrist. Pain can also move up into the forearm.

What are the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Feelings of itching, tingling, burning or numbness in the palm of the hand as well as the thumb, index, and middle fingers are most common. There are documented complaints from patients with CTS who say that their fingers feel swollen and useless, though there is little or no swelling. The symptoms often first appear while the patient is sleeping and worsen throughout the day. This causes weakened grip strength and will make it difficult to form a fist or hold small items.

Why does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome develop?

Some of it has to do with size. Some people simply have smaller carpal tunnels than others. CTS can also develop due to an injury to the wrist. It can be related to any of the following:
· swelling
· hypothyroidism
· diabetes
· inflammatory arthritis
· over-activity of the pituitary gland and
· mechanical problems in the wrist joint.
Poor ergonomics in the work environment, repeated use of vibrating hand tools and fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause are also common causes.

How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome diagnosed?

CTS can and should be diagnosed and treated early. An advanced physical examination can help determine if your symptoms are related to this malady. A Doctor of Chiropractic, such as Dr. Visentin, can use specific tests to evaluate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is the treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Generally, the care includes:
· Resting the affected hand and wrist,
· Avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms,
· Immobilizing the wrist in a splint to avoid further damage from twisting or bending,
· Applying cool packs to help reduce swelling from inflammation, and
· Special adjustments to the wrist using a gentle instrument.
Studies have shown that vitamin B6 supplements can also help relieve CTS symptoms.
Chiropractic joint adjustments to the wrist and hand, as well as stretching and strengthening exercises or soft-tissue mobilization techniques are essential.

How can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome be prevented?

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) recommends the following:
· Perform on-the-job conditioning, such as stretching and light exercises.
· Take frequent rest breaks,
· Wear splints to help keep the wrists straight,
· Use fingerless gloves to help keep the hands warm and flexible,
· Use correct posture and wrist positions, and receive
· Regular chiropractic adjustments.
This brief article only scratches the surface of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If you think you may have CTS and live in the Denver, CO area, or if you have any questions about this topic, contact Dr. Visentin D.C. at (303) 394- CARE (2273)

Written For Dr. Visentin, D.C.
Care Chiropractic
Denver, CO
©2010

The more technology steps in and takes over our food supply, the more we need to be aware of the side effects of these “advances.” Food companies are using more and more chemicals in their products to cut down on costs, but is it really helping the rest of us? The Denver Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Health Center is here to help you keep abreast of these developments.

Yellow dye no. 5 has become a popular topic in alternative health circles. Research suggests a connection between vitamin B6 and the yellow dye which affects carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers. This information has not crossed over to the main stream medical community, presumably because it doesn’t have anything to do with drugs.

What is Yellow Dye No. 5?

This dye is known by a couple other names, such as Tartrazine (the proper name) and E102. Yellow dye is used as a food coloring and has been banned in several european countries.

Evidence shows that yellow dye no. 5 is associated with asthma, hyperactivity, hives, eczema and irritability. Removing this chemical from your diet can help relieve all of these issues and more. Any processed foods or beverages that are colored yellow or orange are suspect and should be checked for this agent. The brighter the color, (which encompasses just about all kids’ focused foods), the more you should worry. Also be sure to look for it in drugs, like liquid cough medicines.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is commonly used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. It is an essential vitamin for the nervous system. It plays an important role in the formation of all steroid hormones, such as the sex hormones and cortisones, which help fight inflammation. B6 plays a large role in reducing inflammation throughout the body. This explains why a deficiency in this vitamin can aggravate or bring on carpal tunnel syndrome.

Yellow dye no. 5 has been shown to cause a deficiency in B6. Other underlying causes include excess alcohol, smoking, and many prescription drugs, including corticosteroids, estrogen and diuretics for lowering blood pressure.
The most a person should take is a daily dose of 200 mg of B6. Doses of 50 mg two or three times daily helps most people with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Food sources of vitamin B6 include avocados, salmon, chicken, pork, turkey, potatoes, sweet potatoes, brown rice, sunflower seeds, chick peas, bok choy, barley, bananas, and mangoes.

If you think you may have CTS and live in the Denver, CO area, or if you have any questions about this topic, contact Dr. Visentin D.C., Call this Denver carpal tunnel specialist at (303) 394-CARE (2273).
Written For: Dr. Visentin, D.C.
Care Chiropractic
Denver, CO
© 2010

At our Denver Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Health Center we get a lot of questions about this syndrome. As we become more sedentary in our life and work we tend to become more focused on using tools like our cell phone to text, the computer and video games. With this repetitive motion for prolonged periods of time carpal tunnel syndrome has become more and more prevalent. Here are some answers about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that we often get asked about in our clinic.

Q: What is causing my carpal tunnel syndrome?

A: There is a nerve that originates in your neck, travels the length of your arms, goes through your carpal tunnel at your wrists, and …Continue Reading

Why are carpal tunnel syndrome patients visiting our clinic? Isn’t Dr. Visentin, D.C. a spine doctor? What does the spine have to do with tingly hands?

The article sited below is more scientific proof that shows how carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers may benefit from our care. We remove pressure from the nerves that go to the wrists, from the neck.

People with healthy spines have fewer health problems and much less chance of suffering carpal tunnel syndrome.

Spinal Manipulation, 5th edition by Bourdillon JE, Day EA, Bookhout MR: Oxford, England, Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd, 1992:
“Faulty innervation caused by spinal joint lesions is one of the main factors in the production of carpal tunnel syndrome.” P. 207.
If you suspect you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, call (303) 394-CARE (2273) now. We’ll examine your wrists and your spine, to see if it’s contributing to your pain. This special carpal tunnel exam is FREE when you mention this article on your first visit.

Dr. Visentin, D.C.
Care Chiropractic
Denver, CO ©2010

In our Denver Carpal Tunnel Health Center we see patients with carpal tunnel symptoms which affect their daily activities at work, recreation, and even sleeping. Usually carpal tunnel syndrome produces pain, numbness, and tingling into the first three fingers on the palmer surface of your hand. The cause is irritation or entrapment of your median nerve at the carpal tunnel of your wrist.

Carpal tunnel diagnosis

To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor will take you through a series of sensory, motor, reflex, and orthopedic tests to determine exactly where the median nerve irritation is happening. Carpal tunnel-like symptoms can also come from entrapment of the median nerve somewhere other than the carpal tunnel. Other places that it can be trapped are closer to the elbow and the shoulder. Other causes may be irritation of a spinal nerve originating from your neck and ending in the same fingers innervated by …Continue Reading

Why are carpal tunnel syndrome patients visiting doctors of chiropractic? Aren’t chiropractors spine doctors? What does the spine have to do with tingly hands?

The article sited below is scientific proof of how carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers may benefit from our care. We remove pressure from the nerves that go to the wrists. The nerves that supply the wrist come from the neck. The nerve that is irritated when someone has carpal tunnel syndrome may be irritated by neck bones or wrist bones out of place. When the neck and wrist pinch the nerves that go to the hand, scientists call it a “double crush syndrome”.

Double crush syndrome: chiropractic care of an entrapment neuropathy. Mariano KA; Mcdougle MA; Tanksley Gw. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological therapeutics, 1991 May, 14(4) : 262-5.
Discusses the relationship between double crush syndrome and chiropractic care.

People with healthy spines have fewer health problems and much less chance of suffering carpal tunnel syndrome. We help reduce nerve interference from both the neck and the wrist.

If you suspect you may have carpal tunnel syndrome call (303) 394-CARE (2273) now.

Dr. Visentin, D.C.
Care Chiropractic
Denver, CO ©2010

Before considering surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, the best surgeons will recommend conservative care first. At our center in east Denver, we offer safe, gentle, and effective care for this painful disorder. Read the following case history from one of our many patients that avoided “the knife”.

“I had been having great discomfort in my hands for quite some time before I began care with Dr. V. I broke several dishes because of it, and I always felt like my fingers were covered with grit. They tingled and kept me in constant pain. At night, I would have to elevate my hands for relief.

I went to see a doctor about the problem. He stuck eight long needles in each side of my arm and then gave me shock treatments. It was very painful and didn’t help at all. The doctor told me that if my condition did not improve, I would have to have surgery for nerve blockage.

I did not like the idea of surgery, so my husband told me to try something else. He had been having problems with his hip before we married and had seen a chiropractor for the problem. I looked for a chiropractor and found Dr. V. He began treating me, and I have improved greatly. I told him that I was at the point where I would do anything to stop the pain. His treatments have me feeling much better. I sleep more comfortably, and my hands aren’t bothering me nearly as much these days. I can even ball my fists up without pain. My fingers don’t feel gritty anymore either. It works! – D.R.

Always, always, always get a second opinion before considering surgery. Often times, even patients who were assured they were surgical candidates recover quickly at our center.

Don’t let them chop on your wrists needlessly, call (303) 394-CARE (2273).

Dr. Visentin, D.C.
Care Chiropractic
Denver, CO ©2010

Why are carpal tunnel syndrome patients visiting doctors of chiropractic? Aren’t chiropractors spine doctors? What does the spine have to do with tingly hands?

The article sited below is scientific evidence that shows how carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers may benefit from chiropractic care. Chiropractors remove pressure from the nerves that go to the wrists, from the neck.

People with healthy spines have fewer health problems and much less chance of suffering carpal tunnel syndrome.

A treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome: evaluation of objective and subjective measures. Bonebrake AR, Fernandez JE, Marley RJ et al. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Vol. 13 No.9 Nov/Dec 1990.
Thirty eight CTS sufferers underwent spinal manipulation and extremity adjusting, soft tissue manipulation, dietary changes and daily exercises. Post treatment results showed improvement in all strength and range of motion measures. A significant reduction of nearly 15% in pain and distress ratings was documented.

If you suspect you may have carpal tunnel syndrome call (303) 394-CARE (2273) now.

Dr. Visentin, D.C.
Care Chiropractic
Denver, CO ©2010

When a nerve in your wrist is irritated, you may experience numbness in the thumb and first three fingers. The pinky finger is not involved in carpal tunnel syndrome. There are several causes; most commonly: computer terminal work, cash register work, repetitive movements of the wrist, vibration, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, pregnancy, obesity, wrist injuries, smoking, and neck problems.

What Can I do To Help Myself?

Stop any activities that may be causing numbness, switch hands often if possible, avoid flexing or extending your wrist, and restrict salt intake.

It’s Still Bothering Me, Now What?

At our center, we offer a special technique that dramatically reduces pressure on the nerve that causes carpal tunnel syndrome. If a small bone in the wrist is slightly misplaced, this can lead to numbness and tingling over the nerves to the fingers. By re-aligning the “lunate” bone in the wrist, we offer carpal tunnel syndrome patients relief without drugs and surgery.

Call Dr. Visentin now, for a free consultation without obligation
(303) 394-CARE(2273)

The information found on this website is not intended as medical advice. The information on this website is not intended to provide you a diagnosis or a plan of care. If you are not feeling well, please consult either us, or your health care provider. If you are presently being treated by another provider, do not disregard that provider’s treatment plan because of anything that you read on this website. If you have any questions, please call or write us. Your well-being is our primary concern.

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Denver Chiropractor, Dr. Visentin, 1411 Krameria Street.
Cross streets are Krameria & 14th Ave near the King Soopers & Safeway Stores.

© 2010. Care Chiropractic, 1411 Krameria St., Denver, CO 80220. All Rights Reserved.