In layman's

terms, the bones of the wrist form a semi-circle which contains tendons

and a nerve known as the median nerve. These tendons are responsible for

helping the muscles in the arm move the hand and fingers. The median nerve

has an important role in this movement. It also controls sensation of

the arm, wrist and hand.

The wrist is

tightly wrapped by a ligament which holds its contents in place. When

compression or irritation of the nerve occurs, the result is pain, numbness,

tingling or burning of the areas controlled by the nerve.

But there may

be an important factor that is overlooked. This involves the fact that

the median nerve and other nerves in the arm come from the neck (cervical

spine). Irritation of the nerves in the neck can cause a change in sensation

anywhere along the course of the nerve.

If you have

had an injury that has moved bones in your neck, even slightly, out of

place, nerve irritation can occur that can cause the nerve to be more

sensitive than normal. Add a small amount of extra stress, and what results?

Pain, numbness, burning or tingling.

The point is

this: The problem may not be where the symptom is showing up. This is

why treating the wrist does not always resolve the symptoms. Reducing

spinal imbalances, which cause nerve irritation, is the purpose of the

chiropractic spinal adjustment.

Dr. Marilyn

Durden will be giving a health talk about carpal tunnel syndrome and reducing

spinal imbalances Thursday, May 2, at 11 a.m. at the Durden Chiropractic

Clinic, 1130 Senoia Road, Suite B-4, North Village Professional Complex,

in Tyrone.

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