Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome/ Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI's)...
are the number one injury/illness occurring in the workplace. An
umbrella and sometimes "garbage can" diagnosis for a myriad
of medical diagnoses, these injuries are on the rise, with 300,000
new cases diagnosed annually. Once widely seen only
amongst factory workers 20 to 30 years ago, carpal tunnel and RSI's
are sweeping through white collar occupations. Average costs of
a single RSI case reportedly can cost an employer up to $30,000.00.
Due to prolonged static positions that computer operators and factory
workers maintain, a frequently overlooked area of the body where
carpal tunnel symptoms originate is in the cervical and upper thoracic
spine. Neck and shoulder muscles held in constant contraction, compresses
and distorts the alignment of the vertebrae, perpetuating muscles
spasms throughout the neck, shoulder and arm. The Brachial Plexus
(the major network of nerves) extending from the cervical spine
and across the top of the shoulder is squeezed, affecting the median
nerve, referring and radiating pain into the wrist and hand. Delicate
blood vessels (vasculature) and fluid transport (lymphatic flow)
in the arm is likewise threatened, further compounding the patient's
condition and symptoms.
THE ONSET:
Carpal tunnel usually creeps up on the individual. It can be classified
in two categories:
- Dynamic - Related to repetitive motions
- Passive - Caused by medical conditions
(e.g., diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, fluid retention and
other diseases and disorders)
THE PAIN PATTERN:
Pain associated with carpal tunnel is typically described as a vague
aching pain that radiates into the pad of the hand below the thumb,
the forearm near the elbow and occasionally the elbow itself. Pain
can further extend into the shoulder, neck and head. Migraines are
not uncommon. Tingling and numbness is experienced in the thumb,
index, middle and ring finger or a combination thereof.
SYMPTOMS AND SIDE EFFECTS:
Waking frequently through the night due to pain and numbness. Trouble
with activities that require the wrist to be bent and stationary
(e.g., driving, reading a book). Awaken with stiffness in the hand,
typically reporting the need to rub or shake the hand to "get
the circulation back." Difficulty opening jars. Sustained,
persistent numbness in the hand which can lead to muscle deterioration
(atrophy).
TREATMENT
APPROACH:
- Neural Tension Techniques
- Lymphatic Drainage
- Postural & Structural
Realignment
- Advanced Strain / Counterstrain
- Craniosacral Therapy
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