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Conditions Treated- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a major problem in Southern Illinois residents' lives of repetitive motions and computer work. Many residents search for a solution for the pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness of carpal tunnel syndrome without results. Dr. Underwood is pleased to offer Active Release Techniques (ART) which often permanently resolves cases of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The nerves carrying signals to and from the entire arm exit the spine in the lower neck. From there they extend down through the shoulder region and down the arm extending and branching out to the tips of the fingers. They pass between muscles and ligaments and through structures which can potentially cause irritation to the nerves. These nerves carry sensory messages as well as muscle- controlling messages.
When a nerve becomes injured or irritated, it can affect whatever the nerve extends to and controls. For example, hitting your funny bone (the ulnar nerve) causes pain, numbness, and tingling not just at your elbow but all the way down to the tips of your fingers. The nerves that extend from your neck to your fingers react the same way to irritation or injury. Pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness can all result from nerve irritation or injury. There are multiple spots where these nerves can be irritated as they travel from the spine to the tips of the fingers. If a nerve is irritated at or near the spine, it takes less irritation at locations further away from the spine such as at the wrist or in the forearm to affect the nerve and cause symptoms. Thorough examination can reveal the areas where the nerves are being irritated.
Healing and stabilizing carpal tunnel syndrome starts with a thorough examination to determine exactly where nerves are being irritated. Then a plan can be formed to reduce nerve irritation. Adjustments of the lower neck decrease joint and nerve irritation where the arm-controlling nerves exit the spine. At Underwood Chiropractic, Active Release Techniques (ART) will be used to address the areas where muscles are affecting the nerves of the arm and the appropriate extremity adjustments, strengthening exercises, stretches will also be recommended to create the ideal situation for the body to heal the irritated areas causing carpal tunnel syndrome.
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