Probably the most common repetitive stress injury is the carpal tunnel syndrome that is triggered by repeated forceful wrist flexion. Store check-out clerks, computer operators and other such occupations are subject to recurring bouts of wrist pain.

According to the Merck Medical Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, a chief consideration for the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is nerve root compression in the lower cervical spine (neck). Chiropractic authorities agree, stating that spinal subluxations (misaligned vertebrae) in the lower neck can result in nerve root irritation causing an inflammation of the median nerve in the wrist.

A slightly inflamed nerve can go unnoticed for years until it is aggravated by repeated action of the wrist. To the suffering individual, it is logical that the repetitious action of the wrist is causing the pain. But behind it all, may be the spinal subluxation, which caused the nerve to be slightly inflamed in the first place.

Helpful treatment, first and foremost, is to remove any spinal subluxations with gentle spinal adjustments. Reduce the inflammation by resting the wrist and ceasing the repetitive action. Wrist braces or splints are helpful. Posture adjustments can be helpful also. For a keyboard operator, adjust the height of the seat and check for proper back support pressure. Feet should be flat on the floor, back straight and forearms level with the keyboard.

A more drastic approach to treating carpal tunnel syndrome is to surgically enlarge the tunnel in the wrist through which the inflamed nerve passes. While the surgery may provide some relief, the procedure is expensive, painful and disabling.

Chiropractic spinal adjustments and reducing the wrist activity is all that is generally needed to remove the pain and restore the wrist back to normal. If you or a friend have a wrist problem, let us help you regain normal, pain-free function. Call our office today for an appointment. See what chiropractic care can do for you.