Carpal Tunnel Treatment: A Spokane Valley WA Chiropractor’s Perspective

Spinal Decompression Spokane Valley WA

Often the reason people experience carpal tunnel is because they have degenerating or bulged spinal discs. The spinal discs are the gel-like cushion between the vertebrae that enable the spine to bend and twist. However, due to loss of normal spinal curvature or improper movement of the spine the spinal discs can protrude or begin to breakdown which causes compression on the spinal cord and or nerves in the neck often resulting in neck or shoulder pain, numbness/tingling, or muscle weakness in the arm or hands.

Spinal surgery to treat disc problems can be very expensive and risky in the sense of potential complications as well as outcomes. A much safer and effective alternative is spinal decompression therapy, which works by gently stretching the spine relieving the pressure off the spinal discs and nerves. At River City Chiropractic in Spokane Valley WA we use the Back On Trac spinal decompression chair which assists in hydrating the discs, restoring normal spinal motion and curvature as well as adding in heat and vibration to relax any tight muscles for optimal results. The Back On Trac decompression chair has been a great addition to our Spokane Valley WA clinic helping our patients relieve carpal tunnel symptoms quickly in conjunction with regular spinal adjustments.

Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel

Subluxation

A subluxation is a misalignment of the bones of the spine or extremities that prevent normal motion and can irritate or damage the nerves often causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning.  At River City Chiropractic in Spokane Valley WA, we locate subluxations of the spine or extremities and through chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic exercises help people correct their subluxations over time.

Tech Neck

Today the average American spends between 2-4 hours per day looking down at their phone or some other handheld electronic device. The further you look down and your head goes forward with physics it increases the weight and load placed on the spine by up to 60lbs. This increased stress and load to the spine over time results in chronic poor posture and tension in the neck or shoulders, loss proper neck curvature, neck pain, headaches, or spinal disc problems. Here at River City Chiropractic in Spokane Valley WA we specialize in spinal corrective care and help our patients reverse the detrimental effects of tech neck by correcting postural issues and restoring the proper curvature back to the neck.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the joint space begins to narrow or break down. This is commonly seen in the neck as well as other areas of the spine or joints such as the wrist especially if any of the bones of the wrist have been broken or injured in the past. This condition usually happens over time from lack of motion and or poor posture. Our joints need to move to stay healthy, if they are not moved regularly due to sedentary lifestyle or subluxations then they break down. After a long enough period of time bone spurs can begin to form and the nerves or spinal cord can be affected

Who is most at risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome?

1) Desk Workers

Due to the long, repetitive days in front of a computer typing causes tension on the carpal tunnel with the wrist typically in extension also flattening the tunnel for the median nerve to travel through.

2) Factory/Assembly Workers

Due to the long, repetitive days looking down assembling items with their hands can result in damage in the neck along with the wrist depending on their duties.

3) Diabetics

Due to the fluid retention and swelling in the legs or arms diabetics experience fluid can get trapped under the carpal tunnel causing pressure on the median nerve. Diabetic neuropathy can also cause carpal tunnel-like symptoms.