Denver Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Health Center

What if you could have an expert teach you and your co-workers what to do to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome at work? What if it was a program that was free, fun, and would give you everything you may need to avoid this all to common condition?

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.

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

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…)

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

Why are my fingers numb and tingling?

Carpal tunnel syndrome involves a nerve called the median nerve. The median nerve originates from your neck and travels down your arm, through what is called the carpal tunnel at your wrist. With chronic abnormal posture of your wrist or excessive typing at a computer, the structures in the carpal tunnel can become inflamed or tight, causing irritation of the median nerve. This results in numbness and tingling in your first three fingers.

Another cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is from your wrist bones shifting from a fall or repetitive trauma, causing the carpal tunnel to collapse in on itself. Now, though this sounds traumatic, do not panic! It usually consists of tiny (more…)

Should I consider getting surgery for my carpal tunnel syndrome?

You should definitely talk to you medical doctor and chiropractor about all of your options for dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome. Surgery is one of those options; however, it may not be the one for you. If you are not addressing the cause of your carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery may do little to affect the outcome.

One of the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome is inflammation in the wrist that irritates the median nerve, which passes through the carpal tunnel. This can be caused from chronic abnormal wrist posture, falling on an outstretched hand, or simple repetitive injuries that inflame the surrounding structures in your (more…)