Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Specialist in Jersey City, NJ

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs from the length of an individual’s arm and controls the feeling and movement of the thumb and all fingers except for the pinky. It’s a progressive condition, meaning it can worsen over time, especially without treatment.

Without proper care, it can lead to a loss of sensation, weakness, and other permanent problems in the hand. This can significantly affect a person’s ability to perform daily tasks and overall wellness. The development of carpal tunnel syndrome is often associated with conditions or activities that exert additional pressure on the nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel.

Early in the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, individuals might only experience symptoms during specific activities or at night. As the condition progresses, these symptoms may persist throughout the day, affecting various aspects of daily living.

The increased pressure in the carpal tunnel, which compresses the median nerve, is often difficult to attribute to a single cause. It is usually the result of multiple factors, including swelling and inflammation from repetitive and frequent movements with the hands or activities that involve flexing or extending the wrist for extended periods.

Other health factors, such as metabolic or hormonal changes and conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, can also contribute. Anatomical differences and changes can influence the onset of the syndrome, with women being more prone due to typically smaller carpal tunnels.

Some individuals may naturally have a smaller carpal tunnel, and wrist injuries, strains, or diseases can affect it over time. Additionally, obesity and changes in blood sugar levels can pose risks for developing the condition.

Symptoms often begin gradually and include tingling or numbness in the hand or fingers. Some individuals may feel shock-like sensations that travel up the arm, often occurring while holding something or moving the hand.

This numbness can become constant if unaddressed. Hand weakness is another common symptom, either due to muscle weakness or numbness in areas controlled by the affected median nerve. The severity of symptoms can be influenced by daily activities, wrist or hand position, and time of day, with some patients experiencing more severe symptoms at night, leading to fatigue and disrupted sleep.

General discomfort in the hand, wrist, or fingers, along with difficulties in gripping or holding objects, are also symptoms. And while the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are often characterized by a progressive and slow onset, in other cases they can occur more suddenly.

Given the progressive nature of carpal tunnel syndrome it is important to seek out a diagnosis for early treatment interventions when symptoms arise.

Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome at Harborside Sport & Spine is varied and tailored to each patient’s specific needs. The earlier the treatment begins, the better the chances of solving the condition non-invasively. The treatment may involve a combination of physical therapies, massage therapies, injections, medications, and lifestyle interventions.

Physical therapy and chiropractic services can address the syndrome holistically, potentially including joint and nerve mobilization exercises, splinting of the hands, and strength or stretch-based exercises.

Lifestyle changes at work or in physical routines, aimed at mitigating risk factors like repetitive movement, are also part of the treatment. In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed. For more severe cases, or when the syndrome is due to an underlying condition or injury, surgical intervention might be necessary.

However, non-invasive treatments are prioritized to provide comprehensive care and help patients regain control of their condition without surgery.

Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment is available at Harborside Sport & Spine. For more information, contact us or book your next appointment now! We serve patients from Jersey City NJ, Hoboken NJ, Weehawken NJ, West New York NJ, Guttenberg NJ, Secaucus NJ, Harrison NJ, Kearny NJ, Newark NJ, Belleville NJ, Lyndhurst NJ, East Orange NJ and Elizabeth NJ.