Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to a condition that has become quite common in recent times. It entails different signs and symptoms such as tingling and numbness in the wrist and hand.
This is normally caused by increased pressure on the median nerve as this compression could cause damage to this nerve, which travels along the carpal tunnel in your wrist.
Nerves are quite susceptible to damage hence any compression as mentioned above causes a pin and needle sensation, electric shock, or even fragility and weakness when the median nerve is under such stress.
There are different medical ways of treating this condition ranging from surgery to medication, chiropractic adjustment and splinting. However, these ways are not popular with everyone as some people opt for natural remedies to help with relief by managing the symptoms.
Carpal Tunnel treatment by chiropractor
This article shall enumerate and elucidate further on the natural remedies employed to treat carpal tunnel syndrome.
Hand Workouts
It is vital to improve the mobility of the median nerve and this can be attained through hand exercises. An example is nerve-gliding workouts and wrist curls, which help to remedy the condition by increasing the strength of the forearm muscles. The exercises can be done using light weights as heavy weights could strain the median nerve even more culminating in more serious damage thus exacerbating the issue. Hand and wrist elevation also helps. Further, stretching can help to ease the pressure on the wrist with the added advantage being that it can be done anywhere and at any time devoid of any specialized equipment.
Ergonomic Adjustments
This involves different adjustments all aimed at minimizing pressure on the wrist as this helps to ameliorate the condition. Such adjustments include modifying the height of your chair to ensure that your wrist lies in a neutral position. Adjustments to the desk can also further help to remedy the issue including the use of a padded mouse for optimum results.
Wearing Wrist Splints
They aid in straightening the wrist thus reducing the pressure on the median nerve. It is worth noting that the symptoms and the pain usually manifest at night hence wearing the splint in the evening hours or thereabout can help mitigate the issue and alleviate the symptoms before they commence. It is also applicable to people who do or perform repetitive duties at the workplace, as wearing splints during the day in such instances can suffice.
Ice Therapy
This is an effective way, which works by numbing the pain resulting from the carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of the pressure on the median nerve can be minimized by cold therapy as it aids in reducing the swelling of the ligaments. The results are often immediate, but it is vital to repeat the ice therapy several times a day for non-stop relief. You can soak your hand in a bowl filled with ice and water or alternatively use an ice pack categorically placed at the bottom of your wrist for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Heat Therapy
Even though heat therapy does not provide any lasting benefits, it helps avail a temporal relief associated with lessened stiffness and reduced soreness. A heating pad can is placed all over the wrist for around 30 minutes, or you can also soak your hand in a bowl filled with warm water for a similar amount of time. Conversely and against the expectations of many, you can also combine heat and ice therapy for better results.
Dietary Changes
Diet is quite instrumental, and some adjustments thereof can help remedy carpal tunnel syndrome. Vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges should be included in your diet as they help with the synthesis of collagen. Further, foods with anti-inflammatory effects are also crucial hence, they should be readily incorporated into your diet. A fitting example is ginger and turmeric and this should be a present feature in your cooking.
Self-Care and Managing Stress
This entails practicing or engaging in activities, which enhance muscle relaxation. If this is done progressively and consistently, it helps reduce any accumulated tension in the hands and the wrists. Self-care appertains to taking frequent breaks at work to stretch out properly. This culminates in increased blood flow and less pain and numbness.
This among other natural ways not listed above such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, chiropractic care, aromatherapy, use of topical treatments and observing a healthy weight are all natural ways of relieving pain and symptoms emanating from carpal tunnel syndrome. However, it is still important to pay ample attention to your body and liaise with a professional healthcare provider for better recommendations and personalized treatment and care if necessary.