What Actions Provoke Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Grabbing objects while the wrist is flexed is a movement that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Movements like using the mouse of a computer terminal incorrectly causes pinching of the nerve that causes this painful disorder.

What Conditions Aggravate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The tunnel that runs through the wrist to carry the nerve associated with carpal tunnel syndrome can be narrowed by the following; arthritis, swelling, fractures or broken bones. This interferes with the nerve that leads to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Who Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Effect?
Women are particularly prone to carpal tunnel syndrome, although men can be affected as well. The most common onset is age 40-50, although a person of any age can have it. The symptoms can be present in one wrist or both. Usually the dominant hand is the one involved.

If you would like the advantage of a special approach to carpal tunnel syndrome, call our center. If you mention this article, you are entitled to a FREE examination and special report with your spouse or significant other. Call (303) 394-CARE (2273).

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

Here’s What We Tell Them Not To Do

O Anything that aggravates their condition
O Push ups
O Avoid dry heating pads, (hot moist heat however, is fine)
O Avoid prolonged forceful use of the hands and wrists
O Avoid power tools
O Avoid heavy lifting and pushing movements
O Avoid flexing or extending the wrists forcefully
O Eliminate alcohol, coffee, and smoking

If you need additional information, schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Visentin, D.C. (303) 394-CARE (2273).

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

x Take breaks regularly, especially at the computer terminal, cash register, etc…
x Apply ice directly over the palm and delicate skin of the wrist for 5-20 minutes, three times a day.
x Ask for help when moving objects.
x Call Dr. Visentin, D.C. and set up a free ergonomic workshop at your place of business, (303) 394-CARE (2273).
x Do gentle range of motion exercises throughout the day. Move your wrists up and down and side to side. Avoid forcing these movements.
x Call our center to determine the exact cause of your carpal tunnel problem.
x Ask your family to help you while you recover.
x Meditate, pray, or visualize white healing light healing your hands and wrists three times a day.
x Sleep with a pillow that restores the curve in your neck. Carpal tunnel symptoms are often caused or aggravated by bones out of place in the
spine.
x Change hands frequently with activities involving the wrist.
x At the computer, avoid twisting your wrist or awkward wrist positions when using the mouse. Relax your hands and wrists.
x Drink lots of water. Take a multi-vitamin, and an extra supplement of B complex that includes vitamin B-6 (or pyroxidine).
x Call our center for a free carpal tunnel consultation. Without care your problems may get worse, and waiting is dangerous.

Let’s find out what’s causing your problem and do something about it.

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

Care Chiropractic

- The most conservative measures first.
- Medications second, (all drugs have side effects).
- Surgery should be the last resort, surgery is dangerous.

Before you even think about surgery, read this clinical case history.

“I had numbness in my right hand and was referred to a hand specialist but felt he would probably recommend surgery. As I have already had a few surgeries, I felt I would really like to avoid anymore, at least for a while. I began receiving chiropractic adjustments about six weeks ago. I can tell that the numbness is gradually going away-for longer periods of time, as care goes on.” -P. Gabriels
Chiropractic is conservative. Doctors of chiropractic gently realign the bones of the wrist taking pressure off the nerve involved with carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve.

If you’re wondering if you can avoid “the knife”, call our center now, (303) 394-CARE (2273).

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

Our clinic is sponsoring a program for business and industry called “Will You Survive The Computer Terminal?” Here is the information to email your boss and human resources office.

“Will You Survive The Computer Terminal?”

Have Doctor Speak To Your Group For Free

Is Technology Making You Sick? – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
– Headaches?
– Back Pain?
– Stress?
– Fatigue?
– Irritability?
– Numbness or Tingling?
– Excessive Pain?

Learn To Create Your Best Work Environment

“Dr. Visentin D.C. is both informative and entertaining. I give him my highest recommendation.” - Ed Tate, World Champion of Public Speaking

“Very Energetic, easy to listen to and an amazing story teller.”- Leanna Whitcher, Training Coordinator Health Trans

“Humor and story telling a great hit…audience engrossed in your talk.”- Peggy M. Dawson, Chair-Staff Advisory Council Regis University
303-394-CARE
Avoid O.S.H.A. Citations – Create a safe and healthy work environment.

Call And Schedule Dr. Visentin Today!
Dr. Visentin, D.C. – Care Chiropractic – Denver CO ©2010

Here is a short list of things to do:

- Keep Your Wrists Straight. Bending your wrist creates pressure on the median nerve that runs through the structures that make up the “carpal tunnel” in the wrist.
- Avoid Activities That Force The Wrist To Bend Repeatedly. Activities such as painting, sewing, and crocheting put pressure on the delicate and sensitive median nerve, that lets us feel things with our hands.
- Don’t Do Push-Ups. Push ups are the worst exercise for carpal tunnel sufferers. This prolonged and forceful wrist extension with pressure compresses the nerve involved with this all too common syndrome.
- Use Ice. Massaging the thin skin of the wrist with a piece of ice for 5-20 minutes can offer great relief for C.T.S. patients.
- See Your Chiropractor. The science of chiropractic focuses on removing interference with the nerves involved with carpal tunnel syndrome.
There is a lot more you can do to help yourself avoid carpal tunnel syndrome. If you’d like, we can set a time to review the most common causes of carpal tunnel problems and reveal what you can do about them. To set an appointment or to schedule a presentation for your co-workers, call (303) 394-CARE (2273). These services are FREE, when you mention this article.

Dr. Visentin, D.C.
Care Chiropractic
Denver, CO 80220
©2010

Our methods help carpal tunnel syndrome by taking the pressure off the delicate nerves that go to the hand. This pressure can come from wrist and neck problems. If your fingers or your hand tingles, call (303) 394-CARE (2273).

The three scientific articles cited below, help explain why what we do works.

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

Double crush syndrome: what is the evidence? Swenson RS. J Neuromusculoskeletal System, Spring 1993; 1(1):23-29.

The relationship of the double crush syndrome (an analysis of 1,000 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome). Hurst LC, Weissberg D, Carroll RE. J Hand Surg 10B:202, 1985. A significant correlation was found between bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and radiologically diagnosed cervical arthritis.

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:

• Eliminate food allergies - If you think you are allergic to something, keep a food diary and pay attention to if you become congested after eating certain foods, if you wake up feeling congested, if you get skin rashes, feel wheezy, or even just tired. You could be allergic to something you are eating. Common food allergies include dairy, nuts, eggs, and gluten. Any allergic reaction causes an inflammatory state in your system that can affect more than just your stomach.
• Include omega 3 fish oil – Omega 3 fatty acids are extremely effective in reducing systemic inflammation. They are great for cardiovascular health, allergies, and neural enhancement. Talk to your chiropractor more about the benefits of omega 3 fish oils.
• Avoid nightshade vegetables – While you should be consuming a lot of vegetables, night hade varieties may not be the best choice. These include peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes mainly and can have inflammatory effects for some people with sensitivities to them. Nightshades are high in alkaloid solanine, which can rise to toxic levels and interfere with nerve impulses, and cause jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. As mentioned, some people are more sensitive to nightshades than others, which could be a cause for the inflammation widespread in the rest of their body.
• Include ginger and pineapple in your diet – These foods have high anti-inflammatory properties.

Don’t forget to take your vitamins – Vitamins C, D, B6, and B12 all have anti-inflammatory effects. Talk to you chiropractor today to see what they recommend.

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

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