Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

CTS is a painful nerve problem that limits the use of your hand, arising when pressure is exerted on the median nerve, which runs from your neck through your wrist to the thumb and first three fingers of the hand. The name for this disease is derived from the location of your pain sensations — the carpal tunnel — a narrow, rigid opening that is formed by bones and ligaments. Sliding through this 'tunnel' are the tendons that control the movement of your fingers, and the median nerve, carrying your brain's messages to the spinal cord and then to your hand.

CTS is classified as a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) because it is most frequently caused by repetitive motion. Often the tendons traveling through the carpal tunnel become aggravated by the friction caused by constant use, especially while the wrist is bent at an angle. Symptoms can include numbness, burning or tingling; severe CTS produces a shooting pain in the wrist and forearm. It also affects the strength of your grip.

How Is It Treated?

Once an accurate diagnosis has been confirmed, your CTS may be treated by Dr. Colwell in any of four different ways:

• Examine the biomechanical actions of your wrist. Through manipulation of your wrist bones, he may create more room in the carpal tunnel, allowing your nerves and tendons to heal.
• Use the Microlight 830 cold-laser therapy to promote healing and reduce the pain associated with CTS.
• Use the CTD Mark I (intermittent traction) device as physical therapy.
• Examine and adjust your neck and upper back. Often the neck and upper back are part of the problem in CTS.

Further Resources on CTS:

Medicine.net
Southern California Orthopedic Institute
Avoiding carpal tunnel syndrome: A guide for computer keyboard users
Optics.org article regarding laser treatment of CTS
Microlight Corporation, laser manufacturer.