What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel is a condition characterized by compression of the median nerve, a sensory and motor nerve that runs through the wrist, forearm, and hand. The most common cause of carpal tunnel is excessive use or abnormal flexion of the wrist. However, the condition can also be caused or exacerbated by nerve flow problems stemming from dysfunction in the upper cervical spine.
Signs and Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness, tingling, pain, or other forms of discomfort in the hand and wrist. These symptoms may be concentrated in a particular region, such as the palm, or diffused across the hand and wrist.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The upper cervical spine consists of a set of seven stacked vertebrae that form the topmost segment of the spinal column. Because of its proximity to the brainstem, injury to the upper cervical spine can have a cascade effect on a wide range of muscular and nerve functions.
In particular, a vertebral misalignment in this region of the spine can lead to local inflammation around the brainstem. Left untreated, misalignment-induced inflammation can disrupt the transmission and reception of nerves to and from the brainstem. Over time, this can lead to dysfunction in the muscles and ligaments of the hand and wrist, exacerbating or triggering the symptoms of carpal tunnel.
How Our Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Works
For those who are afflicted with carpal tunnel, our team at Los Angeles Upper Cervical is here to help.
To treat carpal tunnel syndrome, our Blair Chiropractic Technique chiropractor, Dr. Bello, will use a range of advanced diagnostic tools to identify the cause of the nerve compression and then customize a treatment plan to improve nerve function. This process typically involves the use of non-invasive technologies like digital X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography scans.
If a misalignment is detected, Dr. Bello will perform a series of gentle and precise adjustment techniques to gently coax the affected vertebrae back into their natural position, removing any impediments to nerve flow and allowing the body to return to full function.
If you’re looking for a natural and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, Dr. Bello is here to help. He offers upper cervical chiropractic care to patients in Brentwood, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, West Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas.