Denver Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Health Center

Our patients do very well with carpal tunnel syndrome and consistently avoid having surgery. One of the things they learn at our center is how to care for themselves when they are at work or at home so they don’t aggravate their condition.

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

Patients who suffer with carpal tunnel syndrome want results, not theory. They demand to know what they can do to get relief. Here’s a list of things to do that work;

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

Research shows that carpal tunnel surgery is ineffective in many instances. Patients continue to have the same pain or worse. The best surgeons recommend:

- 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

The best way to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome is to not stress the wrist. Repeated movements, poor work place habits, computer terminals, and keyboards, can create problems with this delicate area of the body and over time create carpal tunnel syndrome, or C.T.S.

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

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an irritation of a nerve in the wrist. Nerves from the neck go to the wrist. If the neck is healthy and there is no pressure on the delicate nerves that go to the wrist, the chances of suffering carpal tunnel syndrome are lessened greatly.

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.

Double crush syndrome: cervical radiculopathy and carpal tunnel syndrome. Osterman AL, Pfeffer G, Chu J, et al. Presented at the 41st annual American Society of Surgery of the Hand, New Orleans, LA 1986. Describes the double crush syndrome in detail.

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.

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:

• (more…)

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

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 (more…)

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