Surgery for CTS is the second most common musculoskeletal surgery,

with well over 230,000 procedures performed annually in the United

States. Surgery will often take six months to a year of rehabilitation

to get the strength back into the wrist and hand. Unfortunately,

due to the body's own repair mechanisms, many times scar

tissue and adhesions develop and once again close the carpal

tunnel, and puts pressure on the median nerve. Only 23 percent

of all CTS patients were able to return to their previous professions

following surgery.

If one of the eight carpal bones slips into the tunnel, it will

irritate the tendons and eventually the median nerve, causing

Carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve can be irritated in

the neck by a spinal vertebra pinching the nerve. Anyone suffering

from CTS should be checked by a chiropractor to ensure their

vertebrae are not putting pressure on the nerves that run down

the arm into the hand. A chiropractor will also check the shoulder,

elbow, and wrist joints to make sure the median nerve is not

being irritated in one of these areas.

Your chiropractor will give you advise about your activities

of daily living and recommend exercises to stabilize the carpal

bones. Controlled clinical studies have found improvements in

wrist strength and range of motion after chiropractic care. Chiropractic

care has helped many people continue on with their careers and

avoid the need for surgery.

- Dr. Ryan Napp

(This information is written for educational purposes and any

questions should be discussed with a health care professional.

Dr. Ryan Napp is a chiropractor at Napp Chiropractic Center in

Fayetteville. For more information or to attend a Half Hour to

Health workshop on Thursday evenings please call 770-716-5228.)

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