There are more than 75 million people in the United States that use the computer everyday. Even though sitting at the computer looks like a harmless activity, it increases your risk in developing repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel.

As a chiropractor in Denver, Colorado, carpal tunnel syndrome is one of my favorite conditions to treat. This is because the patient usually has had this condition for a long time and in just a few visits they see tremendous results. First, let talk about what carpal tunnel syndrome is and what can be done to treat the syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) affect nearly 230,000 people every year and accounts for nearly half of all workplace injury, costing the country nearly $800 million for benefits and rehabilitation. Typically, CTS affects females greater than males and is usually seen in the 40-60 year young demographic, although can occur at any age. How many times have you seen the grocery store clerk with one of those wrist braces on while scanning your food?

CTS is when the median nerve is compressed at the carpal tunnel, although can be compressed at the pronator teres muscle. The compression causes numbness in the hand and pain the arm. One problem with the traditional approach of prescribing pain killers, muscle relaxers, and a brace is that it does not address the problem.

Although the nerve is being compressed at one site and surgical release of the ligament/retinaculum can give relief, the relief might not last. I have seen numerous cases here in Denver, Colorado where a patient has had surgery, yet still have CTS return.

The problem is multifactorial, and several issues need to be addressed. Such as workplace and home ergonomics, nutrition, exercise routines, stretching, and getting the appropriate treatment.

My greatest success in treating carpal tunnel syndrome in Denver deals with several treatment modalities such as:

1. Cervical and upper extremity manipulation
2. Graston Technique – Instrument soft tissue therapy – this works very well at breaking up the scar tissue in the forearm muscles that prevent the muscles from working correctly.
3. Kinesiotaping
4. Heat/Ice
5. E-Stim Ultrasound combo
6. Specific exercises
7. Nerve flossing
8. Specific stretching
9. Ergonomic Modification
10. B vitamin supplements
11. wrist supports
12. Cold Laser Therapy

I must say that if you are having any sort of numbness or pain radiating in your arm, that you see your doctor of chiropractic as soon as possible as this may indicate a very serious issue that needs addressed.

To Your Health,

Dr. Trent Artichoker MS, DC

Denver Chiropractic, LLC
3890 Federal Blvd Unit 1
Denver, CO 80211

303-455-2225