Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the nerve located on the inside of the wrist, the median nerve, is pinched or compressed. The result can be severed pain in the wrist and hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome can stop a person from taking care of routine day to day tasks since the pain can be excruciating. In addition to the pain, movement of the thumb and next three fingers can becme restricted when the median nerve is stressed. It is not uncommon to feel numbness in addition to the pain which can make doing simple activities like holding a glass or a pen nearly impossible.
This condition can be caused my many conditions including obesity, wrist injury, repetitive activities, pregnancy, obesity, and arthritis. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be a side effect of smoking since the blood flow to the median nerve will be restricted. No matter what the cause is, most people that have the condition will experience the pain and discomfort that interferes with their lives. It is common for people that have this condition to seek help from their physician and may even opt to have surgery to relieve the pressure and pain.
It is important for those who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome to know that there are non-invasive measures that can be taken to relieve the pain of this condition and to prevent further damage to the median nerve. If a particular activity is aggravating the nerve, it is advised that the activity be stopped and the wrist allowed to rest. During rest periods, applying ice to the area can also help.
Many people find the most relief from the carpal tunnel symptoms with massage. By applying self massage for a few weeks that are focused exclusively on the forearm, wrist, and hand, the pain can be lessened considerably. After several months of consistent carpal tunnel massage therapy, full use of the wrist and hand may be restored. Since the median nerve can also become restricted close to the spinal area, massaging the shoulder area and upper back can often give substantial relief.
While apply a carpal tunnel massage, use elongated strokes and rubbing motions along the forearm while the fingers, wrist, hand and elbow are extended. With proper massage the median nerve will be encouraged to decompress and is significantly soothed which will reduce the pain.
Any exercise that employs resistance techniques along with aerobic activities are highly recommended since they can strengthen the arms, shoulders, and back in a way that will reduce weight which can cause undue strain on the median nerve.
Many people also use a brace to provide support and optimal posture for the hand while reducing inflammation and stress. Using a brace along with carpal tunnel massage therapy and carpal tunnel exercise that lasts at least twenty minutes can greatly reduce the need for surgery. Additionally, these steps can prevent further damage.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be an agonizing condition to endure. Because the pain indicates a damaged nerve, it should never be ignored and the activity causing the pain should be ceased as early as possible to prevent further damage. Carpal tunnel syndrome can interfere with proper motor functioning, but with proper care, carpal tunnel exercises and regular massages to the area, the median nerve can be restored as well as pain-free use of the hands.
