The Pain of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel is painful, and there are millions suffering across the planet, but many are told they don't have it. The main test that is done to determine if one has Carpal Tunnel syndrome is an electromyogram, and it can be a painful test for those whose nerves are still functioning. The sad part is that those who are suffering and don't end up with a positive test right away may suffer for another year or so before the test shows significant damage.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is under a significant amount of pressure, thus causing pain and numbness. The median nerve is the nerve that runs from the forearm into the hand, and many times causes one to awaken with lack of sensation or feeling in the hand as well as the fingers. When there is feeling in the hand and fingers it is usually painful and can cause one to have limited movement, including reducing one's ability to engage in everyday tasks.

Many who have suffered with carpal tunnel syndrome including myself have resorted to surgery to end the pain and frustration. By the time I got a positive test, which was four years after the initial symptoms started, I was ready to have the surgery and get it over with. My wrist, hand and fingers hurt so bad I would cry. The only real relief I got was at night when they would go numb, then the numbness would still wake me up but at least I couldn't feel anything. The orthopedic surgeon I was seeing for the problem recommended that I use Advil for pain, but unfortunately my stomach doesn't tolerate those types of medicines. Advil, also known as an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory), causes me to get ulcers which are also extremely painful. I didn't need the problem to be compounded, so I opted for the surgery.

Physical Therapy for Carpal Tunnel

After the surgery I opted to do physical therapy for the carpal tunnel. Many of the exercises were simple stretches that were to prevent it from happening again, and are things you can do on your own without having to pay for something extra. One stretch that was very helpful, was grabbing my fingertips with the other hand and stretching the hand downward, and then pushing the fingers backward to stretch that tendon under the wrist. This exercise was the most recommended because it keeps the tendon stretched out to prevent it from putting pressure on the median nerve.

The other odd thing that helped, but really only works for those who have the surgery is to massage the scar. This helps the scar to reduce quicker, and not remain raised. This was helpful with pain as well, as massage always improves circulation, which means the blood rushes to the site of injury and helped it heal much faster.

There are some chiropractic methods that can be used to help treat carpal tunnel, so if you see a chiropractor be sure to ask them about what they suggest for your treatment specifically. Also, talk to your doctor to see if they have any exercises they recommend. Surgery is never fun, and the recovery alone can conflict with your daily schedule and slow you down.

Stephen Autry M.D.

Reconstructive Orthopedics

Cincinnati, Ohio