Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by a pinched nerve at the wrist. However, carpal tunnel syndrome can be tricky to identify since there isn’t a definitive test to diagnose the disease. Instead, diagnosis for carpal tunnel starts with an individual’s own suspicions, often related to muscle pain, which then can lead to a doctor visit and subsequent tests.

So, what are the signs of carpal tunnel to begin with? East Hartford, CT’s May Chiropractic and Rehabilitation shares a few symptoms to look out for:

• Tingling: While carpal tunnel is a disease of the wrist, it usually starts in the fingers, (namely, the thumb, index, and middle fingers) and consists of a tingling feeling. This becomes especially noticeable when holding objects or driving. Eventually, it can spread from your fingers to your wrist, and then up your arm. Numbness is frequently associated with the tingling feeling as well. Over time, the both the tingling and the numbness can last for longer stretches of time.
• Weakness: Carpal tunnel syndrome is also characterized by a loss of strength in the wrist, which is usually reflected in the inability to hold objects. You may find yourself dropping even small items and feeling a general sense of weakness in your wrist and arm.
• Pain: Muscle pain can often accompany the tingling symptoms. The pain can extend beyond the fingers and wrist, moving onto the hand and even up to the forearm. Many carpal tunnel patients have noted that the pain has caused them to wake up in the middle of the night.

Carpal tunnel syndrome isn’t a life-threatening disease, but it can be uncomfortable and difficult to live with. Moreover, ignoring the signs can cause the muscle pain and damage to worsen. Chiropractic treatment and massage therapy can be highly effective in alleviating symptoms.  To get diagnostic tests for carpal tunnel syndrome and begin looking into possible treatment, contact May Chiropractic and Rehabilitation at (860) 568-3900, or visit them online.