"Is Carpal Tunnel Surgery the
Only Potential Solution?"
For many patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), surgical release
is too often the only discussed option for treatment. Why is this? How
medical doctors are taught, as well as what is read, drives many to
their decisions.
So what does the medical literature
actually say? A recent article published in a scientific journal (Adv
Tech Stand Neurosurg 2007;32:175-249) may provide some perspective.
The paper is titled, "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome-a comprehensive review."
Unfortunately, the "comprehensive" review pretty much only discusses
the surgical approach to this most difficult problem. The conclusion
states, "Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome requires meticulous
attention to history-taking, investigation, counseling, training and
surgical technique if unsatisfactory results and complications are to be
avoided."
The authors are to be commended for
providing a sober perspective on the potential outcome and pitfalls of
surgery for CTS.
The part that makes me feel this
review is very incomplete, is that chiropractic care is not discussed.
That is too often '"to be expected."
But, patients
deserve to be told their many options for care, including alternatives
to surgery such as chiropractic care. When all you have is a hammer,
everything starts to look like a nail.
So, that is what
this Health Update is all about, a chance for you to consider surgical
alternatives. No one doctor has all the answers but it's important to
hear the various perspectives so you can make an informed decision.
Our office always offers complementary consultations. You can come by
for a visit, tour our facility and ask any questions you may have. I
want to explain the various types of techniques we use to address carpal
tunnel symptoms. Sometimes the neck is involved, affecting the nerves
that go to the hand and wrist. This is called the double-crush syndrome,
and is often overlooked by providers who only examine the wrist for the
cause of the wrist and hand symptoms. If your neck was injured in a
whiplash or sports trauma, this may be one aspect of your health that
has not yet been addressed. By adjusting the problem in the neck region,
the nerves to the wrist may function more normally.