CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME Millions of people now suffer from CTS and increasing numbers of them are seeking chiropractic care. The chiropractic process of relieving irritation in the spine and extremities yields great results. Your carpal (wrist) bones form a tunnel-like structure-the carpal tunnel-through which pass nine tendons and one nerve-the median nerve. CTS occurs when the median nerve is irritated. CTS is so common it's been called the "occupational disease of the 1990s." Surgery may be resorted to with hand surgeons performing 100,000 operations a year for CTS. Recovery from such surgery may take from six months to ten years. The limitations of standard medical care led the late Robert Mendelsohn, M.D., to state, "Since the medical treatment for this condition is so often unsatisfactory, I have for years been recommending that my patients consult experts in muscle and joint therapy such as chiropractors." The relationship between spinal health and carpal tunnel has been documented by a number of individuals that have found spinal nerve root irritation in patients who had carpal tunnel or ulnar neuropathy. Not surprisingly, when 1,000 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome were investigated, it was found that a large number of those suffering from CTS also had neck arthritis. Anyone suffering from CTS should see a chiropractor to ensure that his/her spinal column, as well as the wrist bones, is free from nerve pressure between the arms and wrists and the nerves in the neck. In light of what is known about CTS, anyone suffering from it should see a chiropractor to ensure that his/her spine and wrists are free of nerve irritation. A chiropractic adjustment may make the difference between a pain-free wrist or surgery. Every day, assembly line workers, keyboard operators, grocery store clerks and many others receive micro-traumas to their hands and wrists.  Vibration and repetitive motions can result in a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome.  The carpal "tunnel" is formed by bones in the wrist.  The median nerve, tendons and blood vessels pass through this opening.  If one or more of the bones forming this tunnel should collapse, inflammation, nerve pressure and painful symptoms in the wrist area can result. The median nerve is the major nerve controlling the thumb, index and parts of the middle and ring finger.  From the tip of your fingers, it travels through the bones in your wrist, past your elbow, up your arm, through your shoulder and finally to the neck.  The median nerve then connects to the spinal cord through openings between several bones in the lower neck.  If inflammation occurs around the nerve anywhere along the median nerve's route or the bones of the neck move out of position and put pressure on the nerve, problems can occur in the fingers and the wrist.  A pseudo carpal tunnel syndrome can then result. It is important to determine where the problem is occurring as surgery on the carpal tunnel will not fix a problem that may be occurring in the neck.  Surgery is also not a good solution for true carpal tunnel as scar tissue can build up after the surgery resulting in compression of the carpal tunnel and re-occurrence of the symptoms. After a thorough examination, your chiropractic doctor will perform specific adjustments where needed to help normalize structure and reduce nerve irritation.  When given time, conservative chiropractic care has produced excellent results with carpal tunnel and similar problems without drugs or surgery. REFERENCES: Bonebrake, A., D.C., Fernandez, J., D.C., A Treatment for Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Results of a Follow-up Study, Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics. 16:125-139, 1993. Cailliet, R., M.D., Hand Pain and Impairment, 3rd edition, F. A. Davis Company, 1983. Cailliet, R., M.D., Pain; Mechanisms and Management, F. A. Davis Company, 1993. Kendall, F., McCreary, E., Muscle Testing and Function, 3rd edition, Williams and Wilkins, 1983. Kirk, R., D.C., Lawrence, D., D.C., Valve, N., D.C., States' Manual of Spinal, Pelvic and Extravertebral Techniques, 3rd edition, National College of Chiropractic, 1991. Norkin, C., P.T., Levrangie, P., P.T., Joint Structure and Function.  A Comprehensive Analysis, 2nd edition, F. A. Davis Company, 1992.