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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a painful, progressively disabling condition affecting the hands. There are eight bones in the wrist, called carpals and they form a structure similar to a tunnel. Hence, the name Carpal Tunnel came about. The tunnel is filled with tendons which control finger movement. It also is a pathway for the median nerve to reach sensory cells in the hand. Research has proven that compression of the median nerve results in dysfunctions of the hand. Carpal Tunnel is often work-related due to strain on the muscles and skeleton. Repeated flexing of the wrist, or applying pressure during a long period of time will cause this strain. For example, typing will produce a strain and lead to CTS.

Symptoms of CTS are frequent pain in the distal arm and wrist. The pain usually radiates into the thumb, index and middle fingers, and is made worse by wrist motions. The pain may also radiate proximally into the arm, shoulder and neck. Often, people report awakening in the night with numbness and pain in the hand. Women in mid-life are most affected by this condition.

In addition to repetitive movements, wrist fractures, tumors, rhematoid arthritis, diabetes, edema, and pregnancy can cause CTS. The tendons in the carpal tunnel swell, thereby causing increased pressure in the body tunnel. This can pinch the median nerve which runs through the tunnel. This blockage can lead to loss of touch in the hand and produce numbness, pain and tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers. When this condition is detected, a diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel is made.

There are several tests performed by a physician to determine a diagnosis of CTS. These involve tapping in certain spots, applying pressure, flicking, and flexing. There are several adverse consequences with CTS. Some people can not determine hot from cold, and experience loss of strength in the fingers. This makes it hard to do simple tasks such as tying shoes, or picking up things. Thus, CTS can have a huge negative impact on people’s lives.

Allopathic treatments for CTS involve anti-imflammatory drugs, and surgery. These medical interventions have been met with mixed results. There are natural, less invasive treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

With mild symptoms, improvement comes by simply improving positioning on a keyboard, improved lighting or changing job tasks. Learning ways to avoid the repetive motions will reduce swelling in the tendons.

While practicing Massage Therapy, I had many clients suffering from CTS. I treated them by identifying which muscles were involved and used these trigger points. I massaged these areas, as well as the median nerve area. This reduced pressure on the nerve. Neck muscles such as pectoralis minor, subscapularis, infraspinatus and the scalene muscles are usually involved. I also applied cold compresses on the wrist, as well as unwinding techniques. I also used Polarity Therapy, and Trigger Point Therapy. The biggest factor was determining what work situations, or other common tasks were triggers in the condition. By changing posture, or finding different ways to accomplish tasks often lead to improvement of Carpal Tunnel.

Homeopathic remedies can also be helpful in relieving the symptoms of CTS. Arnica, Ferrum Foss, Hypericum and Ruta Grav have proved successful in treating CTS.

In conclusion, the work place seems to be the biggest contributing factor to the development of Carpal Tunnel. By improving the work place, educating about posture, and using hand strengthening exercises, CTS can be eliminated. Proper rest is also important. Each CTS sufferer is different, thus each treatment plan varies. I urge Carpal Tunnel sufferers to try Massage Therapy before rushing into surgery. It is less invasive, and much more effective in relieving the pain associated with Carpal Tunnel.