Today, we are constantly tapping, scrolling, clicking, using our hands, fingers, and thumbs on smartphones, tablets, computers, etc. Constant repetitive use has increased the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. If tingling, numbness, soreness, or electrical sensations have begun to develop in the hands, especially the index finger, thumb, or palm, carpal tunnel prevention measures can help before it becomes severe.
Pinched Nerve
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the medical terminology for a pinched nerve. It is the median nerve that passes through the narrow carpal tunnel passageway of ligaments and bones at the base of the hand. This tunnel houses the median nerve and the tendons that allow the fingers to bend. The median nerve generates physical sensation in the index, middle, ring finger, and palm near the thumb. Compression of the nerve or inflammation can cause tingling, numbness, and pain in any and/or all of the hand areas. It can also cause the fingers to bend awkwardly; however, this symptom develops over time. There are so many different causes of carpal tunnel syndrome that it is almost impossible to avoid with the constant overuse/repetition of the hands.
Work – tasks, typing, mouse use, writing, scanning, etc.
School
Injury
Doctors recommended approach for carpal tunnel prevention is to take action at the first sign/symptom. The most effective preventative measures include:
Using a computer mouse – moving, clicking, using the scrolling wheel, etc.
Writing
Cooking – chopping, slicing, mixing, squeezing, etc.
Drawing
Make sure to take frequent breaks from the motion.
Carpal tunnel is more likely to develop if the nerves and muscles are overused for a long time without stopping. When focused on a task, we often don’t realize how the repetitive motions cause strain until a sting or pinch makes us stop. Taking a hand break is essential to give the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves time to relax and stay loose. The break only has to be a few minutes to be effective.
Repetitive Movements and Proper Hand Form/Posture
Repetitive hand or wrist motions in everyday activities sometimes cannot be helped. It is recommended to try to switch hands when performing the task, space it out over the day, take frequent breaks, stretch, and gently shake out the hands throughout the day. Make sure any pressure on the hands or wrists is as light as possible and evenly distributed. Keep the wrists straight or slightly bent and use light tools if possible. Proper posture is crucial for carpal tunnel prevention. Many individuals don’t realize the back, neck, and wrists are intricately connected. Poor posture like hunching over the computer, shoulders rolled forward, and forward neck posture can cause the nerves and muscles of the arm to become compressed, causing tingling, numbing, pain symptoms because they’re not properly aligned. The compression can run down the arms and affect the wrists and hands as well.
Carpal Tunnel Prevention Supportive Accessories
It is also recommended to consider integrating supportive accessories, like ergonomic keyboards, mice, wrist splints, keypad cushions, etc. These tools can support the body and keep the wrists and hands healthy, comfortable, and pain-free. Wrist splints can help by keeping the wrist in a straight, neutral position without thinking about it. This reduces stress on the area and absorbs the pressure of everyday tasks on the carpal tunnel and median nerve. Individuals can also wear the splint at night to support and train the wrist to stay straight throughout the day. Taking action before the symptoms become severe is highly recommended. Talk to a chiropractor or physical therapist for exercises, stretches, and general tips to help with carpal tunnel prevention.
Body Composition
A Snack and A Meal
Without proper planning, the calories an individual consumes from snacks can add up. A recent survey found that snacking contributes 586 calories for men and 421 calories for women per day. Weight loss, weight gain, and weight maintenance come down to calories in vs. calories out.
Eating snacks that are too high in calories or snacking too much can disrupt and derail health goals.
It’s essential to know what a snack consists of, what to look for on a label, and how to plan.
Snacks come in a range of calories, depending on individual goals.
For many, 100-200 calories are recommended for snacks.
Individuals that need increased calories may require a higher calorie snack.
The number of snacks eaten per day depends on individual needs and goals.
It’s best to plan and factor snacks into the overall meal plan to avoid overeating.
LeBlanc, Kim Edward, and Wayne Cestia. “Carpal tunnel syndrome.” American family physician vol. 83,8 (2011): 952-8.
Page, Matthew J et al. “Splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 2012,7 CD010003. 11 Jul. 2012, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010003
Shiri, Rahman, and Kobra Falah-Hassani. “Computer use and carpal tunnel syndrome: A meta-analysis.” Journal of the neurological sciences vol. 349,1-2 (2015): 15-9. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2014.12.037
Bowling is a fun physical activity that is enjoyable for all ages. Today, there are college bowlers, recreational bowlers, amateur, semiprofessional, professional leagues, and tournaments worldwide. Although it might not be the first sport that comes to mind when thinking of injuries and chronic pain conditions, it can place significant stress on the muscles and tendons of the upper and lower body. It is important to know and understand how to avoid injuries.
How Bowling Injuries Happen
There are two main causes of injuries and chronic pain related to bowling. The first is poor mechanics, and the second is repetitive over-use. Both cause/develop painful symptoms that can turn into injuries that become chronic conditions. Many injuries are caused by:
Slip and fall accidents
Players dropping the ball on their feet
The majority of injuries come from overuse/repetition and improper body mechanics.
Overuse injuries result from repetitive and/or strenuous actions/movements that place profound stress on the body’s musculoskeletal system.
For example, a semi-pro and professional bowler will play fifty or more games a week. This means throwing a sixteen-pound ball for ten frames per game. When consistently repeated over and over, this can cause serious wear and tear to the body. With amateur and recreational bowlers, they don’t play as much, so they don’t experience overuse injury as much, but what they do experience is improper/poor form techniques that shift the body in non-ergonomic ways, wrong equipment like oversized/too-small shoes that can cause awkward postures and body motions, a ball that is too heavy causing an individual to overthrow and strain their arms, backs, hips, and legs. Or a ball with small finger holes that get stuck or too large, causing finger, hand, arm, shoulder pulls strains, and sprains.
Common Bowling Injuries
The most common injuries and conditions associated with bowling include:
Many of the injuries can lead to tendonitis or arthritis later in life.
Trigger/Bowler’s Finger
Symptoms include:
Hand pain after bowling, specifically in the fingers
A clicking or popping when moving the fingers
A finger gets locked in a bent position
Rest, and no bowling is recommended. How long a rest depends on how long the symptoms have been presenting. Physical therapy, along with chiropractic exercises, can help improve finger strength. Splinting the finger could be required to improve the condition. If all fails or does not generate adequate relief, hand surgery could be optioned with a trigger finger release. The surgery allows the finger to move more freely.
Bowler’s Thumb
This usually happens to bowlers that want to generate a lot of spin on the ball. If the thumb’s hole is too tight, it can pinch the ulnar nerve inside the thumb. If the thumb injury is not serious, rest and getting the correct ball size can correct the issue. This is where purchasing a personal bowling ball can help.
Finger Sprain
This is an injury to one or more of the ligaments in the fingers. It most often takes place in the collateral ligaments along the sides of the fingers inside the ball. The ligament/s gets stretched or torn when the finger is forced beyond its normal range of motion. Common symptoms of a finger sprain include swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and pain in the affected finger. This usually occurs from:
The weight of holding the ball with the fingers alone
A poor release
Using a ball that doesn’t properly fit the fingers
A finger sprain falls into grades on the severity of how much the ligament is stretched or torn:
Grade 1
Stretching or microscopic tearing.
Grade 2
Less than 90% of the ligament is torn.
Grade 3
More than 90% of the ligament is torn. Grade three sprains can be accompanied by joint instability and immobility.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is when the discs get injured/damaged from overuse, wear, and tear, or a traumatic injury to the spine. The disc can dry out, become less flexible, bulge out, or rupture. Bowlers are constantly:
Bending during the final approach and throw
Carrying a heavy ball
Shifting, twisting, and releasing, increasing the pressure within the discs
In bowling, the majority of herniated discs happen in the low back. The most common symptom is backaches and back pain. Lumbar herniated discs left untreated can cause sciatica.
Avoid and Prevent Injury
The best way to prevent injury is to stay aware of body position, mechanics, equipment, and what the body says.
Stretching
Stretching is one of the best things to avoid injury before practicing, competing, or just playing. Stretching will increase flexibility, especially in the wrist, hand, arm, and low back.
Improving technique
Continually using poor techniques over and over is a perfect set-up for injury. Working with a coach will ensure the proper form. This is important when it comes to generating spin on the ball, as well as, making sure the grip does not place too much strain on the hands.
Using the right ball
The ball being used might not be the right fit for your hand or strength. The holes could be too far apart, causing strain on the fingers. Get as much information as possible and try out different styles and weights to get a comfortable feel for the right ball.
Bowling less
Hard-core bowlers could be overdoing it. Cutting back, and creating a balance will allow the body to recover thoroughly and not cause flare-ups.
Getting in shape
Studies show that individuals who bowl and do not exercise significantly increase the risk of a back injury than those who exercise their back and core. Bowling is not as strenuous as other sports, but it still requires the body to be able to handle the stress.
Body Health
Test Body Composition
Testing body composition regularly is the best way to ensure the body stays healthy. Tracking body composition tracks Lean Mass and Fat Mass gain or loss. The information provided allows the individual to make the necessary changes to ensure they stay fit and healthy.
Diet adjustment
Diet needs to be adjusted to match the individual’s current activity level, or risk running a caloric surplus. A great way to optimize diet is to use Basal Metabolic Rate which will make sure the body is getting enough nutrients to fuel muscle growth, and lose belly fat.
Physical activity that fits the new lifestyle
Increase physical activity levels that work with current lifestyle. This does not mean performing at high levels every day. Be active on a schedule that works for you. Two days of strength training a week offer great physical and mental benefits. The key is to maintain the balance between food consumption and exercise/physical activity that fits your current lifestyle.
References
Almedghio, Sami M et al. “Wii knee revisited: meniscal injury from 10-pin bowling.” BMJ case reports vol. 2009 (2009): bcr11.2008.1189. doi:10.1136/bcr.11.2008.1189
Kerr, Zachary Y et al. “Epidemiology of bowling-related injuries presenting to US emergency departments, 1990-2008.” Clinical pediatrics vol. 50,8 (2011): 738-46. doi:10.1177/0009922811404697
Kisner, W H. “Thumb neuroma: a hazard of ten pin bowling.” British journal of plastic surgery vol. 29,3 (1976): 225-6. doi:10.1016/s0007-1226(76)90060-6
Miller, S, and G M Rayan. “Bowling related injuries of the hand and upper extremity; a review.” The Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association vol. 91,5 (1998): 289-91.
The hands are a magnificent piece of work. Its intricate design and functional form follow the hand. However, any injury to the underlying structures of the hand can overlap with other injuries/conditions. Even the smallest hand injuries require a proper medical examination. The objective is a quick and accurate initial evaluation along with treatment. Early treatment is done quickly to minimize short and long-term effects.
Anatomy
The hand consists of 27 bones that include 8 bones in the wrist. If the associated structures:
Nerves
Arteries
Veins
Muscles
Tendons
Ligaments
Joint cartilage
Fingernails
Get injured or damaged in some way; there is increased potential for various injuries.
Causes
The most common cause of injury/s is blunt trauma, followed by injury from a sharp object. Hand injuries are divided into categories:
Symptoms vary depending on the type of injury, how the injury occurred/mechanism, the depth, severity, and location. Common symptoms:
Lacerations
Tenderness
Pain
Bleeding
Numbness
Decreased range of motion
Difficulty moving
Weakness
Pale appearance
Fractures and Dislocations
Swelling
Discoloration
Tenderness
Deformity
Reduced range of motion
Numbness
Weakness
Bleeding
Soft Tissue Injuries and Amputations
Swelling
Discoloration
Tenderness
Deformity with or without tissue loss/bone loss
Bleeding
Weakness
Numbness
Infection
Tenderness
Swelling
Warmth/Heat around the area
Redness
Deformity
Reduced range of motion
Fever is rare in hand infections
Burns
Redness
Tenderness
Blistering
Complete numbness
Discoloration
Loss of tissue
The texture of the skin change
Areas of tissue blackened
Deformity
High-pressure Injection Injury
Pain
Swelling
Bleeding
Skin discoloration
Muscle, tendon, ligament tears
Cracked/Broken bones
Medical Care
Anyone with a hand injury is recommended to call a doctor or seek medical attention. When medical attention is delayed, the possibility of worsening or creating further injuries increases. Even the smallest cut or what looks like a minor injury could require advanced treatment to prevent infection or loss of function. Any cut or laceration that requires stitches to repair should also have a medical evaluation to make sure the musculoskeletal system of the hands is functioning properly. Injuries causing the following symptoms require emergency medical attention at an emergency clinic.
Severe bleeding
Severe pain
Numbness
Loss of motion
Loss of strength
Deformity
Signs of infection – tenderness, warmth/heat, redness, swelling, pus, or fever
Exposure of structures – tendons, bones, joints, arteries, veins, or nerves
Diagnosis
A medical examination can include a medical history and physical examination.
Medical History
Past medical history
Does the patient have diabetes or arthritis?
Is the patient right or left-handed?
Occupation
Extracurricular activities and hobbies
How does the patient use their hands?
How did the injury occur, mechanism of injury?
Does the patient smoke?
Physical Exam
Visual inspection look at the injury
Sensory nerve exam feeling
Vascular exam circulation of blood supply
Muscular and tendon exam movement and strength
Bone exam broken bones or dislocated joints
Tests
A doctor will order X-rays after the history and physical exam if necessary. Certain injuries will require imaging to identify fractures/dislocations or to rule out foreign bodies. Many types of injuries can lead to compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a condition in which there is swelling and an increase in pressure within a limited space or a compartment that presses on and compromises blood vessels, nerves, and/or tendons that run through that particular area. Once the immediate injury is addressed, a personalized treatment plan can be developed .to rehabilitate the hand/s to optimal function quickly
Body Composition
Artificial Sweeteners And Muscle Gain
Artificial sweeteners don’t individuals that are trying to build lean body mass. The body needs carbs after a workout for replenishing the depleted glycogen stores. Many commercially prepared protein supplements are made with artificial sweeteners that don’t provide an adequate source of carbohydrates. If an individual consumes only protein made with sugar substitutes after a workout, they are missing essential components of post-workout recovery. A study found that supplementing with carbohydrates before and during strength training can increase performance, compared to participants that were taking the artificial sweeteners saccharin and aspartame. To properly refuel after a workout, remove the artificially sweetened protein powders and replace them with a snack packed with protein and high-quality carbohydrates. These include:
Greek yogurt
Fruit with nuts or nut butter
Hummus with whole-grain crackers
Tuna
Hard-boiled eggs
References
Banting, Joshua, and Tony Meriano. “Hand Injuries.” Journal of special operations medicine: a peer-reviewed journal for SOF medical professionals vol. 17,4 (2017): 93-96.
Fuhrer, Reto et al. “Tipps und Tricks in der Behandlung offener Handverletzungen in der Notfallpraxis” [Treatment of acute injuries of the hand]. Therapeutische Umschau. Revue therapeutique vol. 77,5 (2020): 199-206. doi:10.1024/0040-5930/a001177
Harrison, BP, and M W Hilliard. “Emergency department evaluation and treatment of hand injuries.” Emergency medicine clinics of North America vol. 17,4 (1999): 793-822, v. doi:10.1016/s0733-8627(05)70098-5
MedscapeReference.com. High-Pressure Hand Injury.
MedscapeReference.com. Soft Tissue Hand Injury Differential Diagnoses.
Siotos, C et al. “Hand injuries in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review of existing literature and call for greater attention.” Public health vol. 162 (2018): 135-146. doi:10.1016/j.puhe.2018.05.016
One area to consider is driving. When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome pain most individuals think about keyboard typing, as the source of arm, wrist, and hand pain. This is true, but carpal tunnel can develop from:
Any repetitive motion
Gripping
Bending at the wrist
Vibrations going through the wrist
Long-distance truckers, those who drive for business or regular long pleasure trips on winding mountain roads can take a toll on the muscles, tendons, ligaments of the arms and hands. Combining a regular job, stacking, scanning, lifting, and typing away most of the day, then long commutes, and weekends driving around, an individual can begin to present with arm, hand, and finger pain.
Signs and Symptoms
Carpal tunnel can sneak up when least expected. Most individuals begin to feel a burning, tingling, or numbness in the thumb and first two fingers, and for some, the palm, as well. Discomfort or pain usually presents at night and in the morning. If the condition becomes worse, individuals often feel the need to shake out the hand or wrists, trying to bring relief from the pain and tightness. It can affect one hand or both hands. The pain can continue to increase and climb up the arm. Then normal tasks like pumping gas or writing with a pen become unbearable.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The median nerve controls the sensations to the palm, the thumb, and the four fingers of the hand. The nerve runs through a small passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Swelling or thickening of the tendons narrow the tight space and irritate the nerve.
Diagnosis
There are different ways to diagnose the condition. To avoid damaging the median nerve, it is important to get a diagnosis as early as possible.
They might perform a nerve conduction study, where small electrodes are placed on the wrists and fingers, then small amounts of electrical current are run through the electrodes.
The speed at which the nerves transmit the electric conduction is measured.
Treatment
The most common treatment is complete rest of the affected hand/s and wrist/s for fourteen to twenty-one days. Other treatments include:
Apply pain ointment/cream before driving and keep on hand
Chiropractic Help
A chiropractor is a highly trained specialist in the entire body’s musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic treatment can help avoid developing chronic pain and surgery in the future. Correcting subluxations and restoring optimal blood and nerve energy flow in the arms, hands, and rest of the body is the objective. Chiropractic investigates and treats the compression of nerves anywhere in the body, including the forearm and wrist. Realigning the spine, shoulder, elbow, and wrist, blood circulation and nerve impulses will flow freely once again. A chiropractor could also recommend:
The treatment plan will depend on each individual’s unique case and circumstances. At Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic, we care about each individual’s situation and are committed to doing whatever it takes to alleviate the pain and get the individual back to optimal health.
Body Composition
Soluble and Insoluble Fiber
All plant-based foods are generally a combination of soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and turns into a gel substance when it passes through the gastrointestinal tract. Foods high in soluble fiber include:
Apples
Beans
Blueberries
Lentils
Nuts
Oat products
Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. The term roughage generally refers to this type. Roughage speeds up transition time in the digestive system. This is the basis for eating more insoluble fiber, to prevent constipation by helping food move through the system. Foods high in insoluble fiber include:
Brown rice
Carrots
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Wheat
Whole wheat bread
Whole-grain couscous
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Savage, Robert. �Re: Carpal Tunnel syndrome and work.��Journal of hand surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland)�vol. 30,3 (2005): 331; author reply 331. doi:10.1016/j.jhsb.2005.02.007
Haas, DC et al. �Carpal tunnel syndrome following automobile collisions.� Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation�vol. 62,5 (1981): 204-6.
Shoulder and arm pain can be debilitating, especially when there is no obvious cause or injury that needs to be treated. A rare condition known as brachial neuritiscan cause spasms along with pain down the arm, followed by numbness, tingling, and weakness. If not diagnosed and treated early, the symptoms can worsen with time. The pain experienced can be described as sharp, searing, and shooting. Brachial neuritis can be intense and disabling when it presents for hours and even days.
Utilizing a chiropractic approach, shoulder and spinal adjustments can provide relief and a faster healing/recovery from the inflammatory condition. Individuals experiencing shoulder, arm, and possible hand pain should consult with a chiropractor about a potential home and clinic treatment plan to improve their condition.
Medical History and Examination
The process of diagnosing brachial neuritis involves an individual’s medical history and physical exam. More complicated cases could require imaging studies and electrodiagnostic tests. The first steps in diagnosing the cause of shoulder and/or arm pain include:
Medical history
Information will be collected on an individual’s:
Medical history
Family history
Underlying conditions
Recent illnesses or injuries
Lifestyle habits
How and when symptoms began
Current symptoms
Physical examination
A chiropractor will palpate or inspect by feeling the neck, shoulder, and arm for irregularities. Then they will examine the range of motion, strength, and reflexes. If the individual’s history and physical exam suggest that the cause could be brachial neuritis or other condition involving the nerves, imaging studies, and diagnostic tests could be required to evaluate further.
Symptoms of Brachial Neuritis
The condition is also known as Parsonage-Turner Syndrome. It affects the brachial plexus, a set of nerves that run from the neck and upper back to the shoulders. The condition usually affects only one side of the body and presents randomly.
What happens is the nerves become inflamed.
Inflammation can be triggered through an autoimmune response. This is often the result of an infection, surgical procedure, or other internal stressors. The inflammation can lead to severe debilitating shoulder pain over a few days.
This also leads to long-term numbness, weakness in the shoulder and arm.
The pain becomes worse with movement.
Typically, the pain goes away on its own within a few days.
Numbness, weakness, or tingling in the shoulder or arm continues.
Over time the symptoms begin to worsen and, if left untreated, could lead to muscular atrophy of the arm.
The pain and weakness can make it difficult to move the arm, leading to decreased strength.
Symptoms can last up to a year or more.
This is why individuals have to find ways to strengthen their shoulder/arm despite the condition.
Chiropractic Relief
Treatment requires a pain management program until the pain subsides. Once the pain is manageable, chiropractic, physical therapy, exercises, and stretches could improve mobility and strength. Chiropractic can provide relief and tools necessary to prevent the worsening of symptoms. Chiropractic helps to:
Reduces pain
Improves mobility
Restores strength
Chiropractic manipulation will ensure that the nerves near the brachial plexus do not become compressed, but if they are, then chiropractic can be utilized to decompress/release them. In addition, trigger point release and massage can help alleviate the tension in the surrounding tissues of the arm and shoulder.
A chiropractor will educate the individuals on effective pain management techniques for home, including ice/heat therapy and stretching exercises. These techniques will help restore the proper alignment and flow of the spinal vertebrae, nerves, and muscle tissues, allowing the body to heal quickly, naturally, and more effectively.
Chiropractic Shoulder Pain Treatment
References
Feinberg, Joseph H, and Jeffrey Radecki. Parsonage-turner syndrome. HSS journal: the musculoskeletal journal of Hospital for Special Surgery vol. 6,2 (2010): 199-205. doi:10.1007/s11420-010-9176-x
Keyboards and mice come in all sorts of colors and styles, which is great but for those that work on a computer for a job, using the right type is essential to prevent injury keeping the hands, wrists, and arms healthy and moving.
Overuse can cause painful musculoskeletal disorders like:
There are a variety of ergonomic designs for these devices. Keyboard designs include four separate key areas:
The alphanumeric area with letters, numbers, and control keys
An area with cursor keys
Numeric keypad
Function keys or the ‘F’ keys
Keyboard Key Combinations or The Mouse
Basic typing and many other actions can be performed on the keyboard using the:
Function keys
Cursor keys
Control keys
Keyboard macros
Pretty much all of these actions can be done with the mouse. Many users operate the computer with the mouse instead of using the key combinations.
To obtain correct posture when working align the center of your body with the center of the keyboard area used the most or during a task.
Keyboard Layout
The layout follows the original ASDF design from the first typewriter.
From the beginning of this design, there was a realization that angling and splitting the keys would reduce the bending of the hands. The first split keyboard typewriter was manufactured in 1886.
The idea of splitting and angling the keys was implemented into ergonomic keyboard designs with the alphanumeric keys being separated at an angle into two sloped sections. For a� non-touch typist, this can be difficult to use, as some keyboards only angle the keys without splitting into halves.
The split design reduces the sideways bending of the hand but also important is the reduction of vertical bending.
However, this can be overcome by taking some simple steps like:
Flattening the keyboard feet on the desk can keep the hands flat
Putting the keyboard on a vertical tilted tray can also help improve the hands’ posture
Keyboards are available in left and right-handed styles
Choosing a Mouse
The shape along with the location of the mouse in relation to the keyboard is important for maintaining a healthy hand posture. Here are some considerations when choosing a mouse. The mouse buttons should:
Have easy clickability
Is easy to move around/feels natural
The screen cursor should move accurately with your movements
There are mice with programmable buttons allowing you to control additional functions. Important things to check:
Make sure the size and shape of the mouse feels natural in your hand
Hold the mouse in a neutral position meaning your hand should not be bent up, down or sideways
Position and operate the mouse with your upper arm relaxed and close to your body, and don’t reach too far forward or too far out to the side
There are keyboards with a separate numeric pad that allows the mouse to be located closer to the keyboard. Some keyboards include a cursor positioning device like a trackball, touchpoint or touchpad. These types eliminate having to reach for a mouse. However, it is a good practice to mix it up using the keyboard for certain operations and the mouse for others. This allows different muscles and ligaments to work while the others take a break.
The Ideal Setup
All keyboards and mice are designed differently. The key is to find well-made products that are built with ergonomic injury prevention as the focus. You can use trackballs, touchpads, and pen mice instead of a regular mouse.
Find what works for you, is ergonomic, comfortable and easy to use and will keep your hands in a neutral posture. If you do a lot of typing and mouse movement, your hands are going to get tired even with top designed keyboards and mice. Take frequent short rest and stretch breaks to let your muscles recover. The stretching exercises should include the:
Wrist
Forearm muscles
Shoulders
Neck
Upper back muscles
Working like this will protect you against over-use injuries.
Carpal Tunnel Chiropractic Treatment
NCBI Resources
Chiropractic care is one of the most common forms of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Foremost, a doctor of chiropractic will evaluate the extent of the condition as well as diagnose the individual to determine any underlying cause behind the condition. Through a series of chiropractic adjustments and manual manipulations, the hand, wrist, and arm are adjusted to reduce the pressure around the median nerve, and ultimately reducing the symptoms.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, is a condition where the nerve that runs from the forearm into the hand gets compressed. Carpal tunnel can cause significant pain and result in numbness that makes using your hand practically impossible.
Carpal tunnel affects�approximately 3% of the population. Carpal tunnel sufferers, fortunately, there are effective treatments that do not require surgery. Chiropractic care can help relieve the pain of carpal tunnel, and can often improve mobility and range of motion in the process.
What is it?
The term �carpal tunnel� refers to an actual tunnel created by ligaments and bones in the wrist. Tendons and median nerves travel from the forearm through the carpal tunnel in the wrist and into the hand. When the median nerve becomes compressed inside the carpal tunnel�usually due to injury or inflammation�it can lead to the symptoms associated with CTS.
The Causes
The exact cause of CTS is not always easy to identify, but there are many factors that can play a role. A family history of CTS makes it more likely that you will develop the condition. Repetitive work, such as a job on an assembly line, is known to increase the risk of CTS. Wrist injuries can also cause carpal tunnel. There are other contributing factors that are not as obvious, such as pregnancy, menopause, and dialysis.
Symptoms
The first signs of carpal tunnel often include a feeling of pins and needles in the wrist, hands, and fingers. You may notice some numbness from time to time, especially after using the wrist in a way that causes compression�like performing a task over and over at work.
Over time, the symptoms can become more severe. Eventually, carpal tunnel can lead to a loss of coordination with the thumb, then other digits. Pain may not be significant at first, but tends to get worse and the condition progresses.
Chiropractic Can Help
Standard medical treatments for carpal tunnel include using anti-inflammatory drugs, refraining from using the wrist/hand, wearing a splint and eventually surgery. While these treatments can sometimes be effective, the risks associated with surgery are significant. Carpal tunnel surgery may or may not fix the problem, and as with any surgery, can sometimes cause more issues than it helps.
Learning to Protect Yourself
Chiropractic care offers a safe alternative to standard medical care, one that is non-invasive and minimizes the need for medications and their potential side effects. Chiropractic treatments for carpal tunnel can help to reduce inflammation and minimize pain. But chiropractic goes further than just treating the symptoms�it can also help you avoid aggravating the condition so that it can heal.
Chiropractors are trained in proper movement and ergonomics. Your chiropractor can help you understand what you are doing that is causing the carpal tunnel to begin with. He or she can also advise you on ways to adjust your movements to protect your wrists moving forward. You may be able to learn new ways of doing things that will allow you to achieve your goals without risking injury.
Getting Stronger
One of the fundamentals of chiropractic care is improving strength and mobility to aid in healing and protect from further injury. Your chiropractor can guide you through exercises to make you stronger. Once you know how to do the exercises, you can do them at home to continue to gain strength.
Schedule An Appointment
Carpal tunnel sufferers, don’t wait any longer and contact us to schedule an appointment. We will get you the relief you need!
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
