You may not immediately associate chiropractors with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) but, since this is a mechanically caused nerve problem, it’s right up our street.

CTS causes pain, numbness or pins and needles in your hand; specifically affecting the first, second and third digits, as well as the palm of the hand.

If untreated, severe CTS can cause wasting of the muscles on the thumb-side of your hand.

It is caused by irritation of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. This can occur as a result of daily activity, arthritic changes or fluid retention (such as during pregnancy).

Regular direct pressure on your wrist or forearm is one of the most common reasons people experience CTS, but fortunately this usually resolves rapidly once the cause has been noticed.

Daily activities such as typing or driving can lead to inflammation of tendons near to the nerve, causing a slight pinch which can be a little more stubborn to resolve. In this instance, manual therapy and exercise can be helpful.

In instances where CTS is caused by arthritis manual therapy and exercise should be the first option, but occasionally surgery is required. This is a very minor operation and provides good relief, however there is a risk of recurrence.

Another consideration with CTS is something called a double crush.

A double crush involves a pinch of a nerve at more than one point along its course. This could be anywhere from the neck down to the wrist in the case of CTS.

In cases of double crush each pinch may be insufficient to cause symptoms on its own, but coupled with the other pinch symptoms can be severe.

Ruling out double crush is an important part of the diagnosis of CTS and helps ensure the most effective treatment is offered.

For more advice, go to worcester-chiro.co.uk