by Tom Nicholson
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the nerve located on the inside of the wrist, the median nerve, is pinched or compressed. The result can be severed pain in the wrist and hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome can stop a person from taking care of routine day to day tasks since the pain can be excruciating. In addition to the pain, movement of the thumb and next three fingers can becme restricted when the median nerve is stressed. It is not uncommon to feel numbness in addition to the pain which can make doing simple activities like holding a glass or a pen nearly impossible.
This condition can be caused my many conditions including obesity, wrist injury, repetitive activities, pregnancy, obesity, and arthritis. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be a side effect of smoking since the blood flow to the median nerve will be restricted. No matter what the cause is, most people that have the condition will experience the pain and discomfort that interferes with their lives. It is common for people that have this condition to seek help from their physician and may even opt to have surgery to relieve the pressure and pain.
Since any type of surgery carries some risks it is critical that carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers understand that there are less invasive measure that can be used to relieve the pain and prevent any ore damage from occurring. If there is a certain activity that is aggravating the nerve, it is a good idea to stop the activity and allow the wrist to rest. During the periods of rest, applying ice can be helpful.
Many people find the most relief from the carpal tunnel symptoms with massage. By applying self massage for a few weeks that are focused exclusively on the forearm, wrist, and hand, the pain can be lessened considerably. After several months of consistent carpal tunnel massage therapy, full use of the wrist and hand may be restored. Since the median nerve can also become restricted close to the spinal area, massaging the shoulder area and upper back can often give substantial relief.
A proper carpal tunnel massage will employ elongated stroking and rubbing along the forearm while the hand, fingers, wrist, and elbow are fully extended. With this activity the median nerve will be allowed to decompress while soothing the area and greatly reducing the pain.
By doing carpal tunnel exercises that include aerobic activities with resistance the shoulders, arms and back will be strengthened. Additionally, weight in these areas that can cause strain on the median nerve will be reduced.
While many also make use of a brace meant to support optimal posture for the hand while reducing stress and inflammation in that area, when this is accompanied with a daily carpal tunnel massage and carpal tunnel exercises of at least 20 minutes in length, surgery and further damage can often be avoided.
Enduring the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can be agonizing. Since pain is an indication of a damaged nerve, it shouldn’t be ignored and any activity that causes pain should be stopped as soon as possible to prevent any further damage. Carpal tunnel syndrome can often interfere with proper motor functioning, but with proper care the median nerve can be restored to health and a person can enjoy pain free hands.
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There are many non-strenuous carpal tunnel exercises using massage that can ease the pain of CTS. Some of these easy
carpal tunnel exercises begin with just changes in routine. Click on the link to see how you can help yourself be free of the pain and suffering caused by CTS.