Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery Doesn't Fix the Problem

By Tom Nicholson

When you are looking at carpal tunnel syndrome, were you aware that there were a number of natural ways to prevent it, or even to cure it? The truth of the matter is that the annoying and even agonizing pain of carpal tunnel syndrome can be beaten through some basic physical therapy techniques Surgery is not always the only answer to this problem!

The first thing that you are going to need to think about is what carpal tunnel syndrome really is. It is what happens when you find yourself repeating certain motions over and over again, and it can strike knitters, assembly line workers, writers and more. There are many people who are plagued with carpal tunnel syndrome without even knowing it, and things like poor posture and technique will make this situation even worse. When you are thinking about how to get the cure or the fix for this, many places will recommend surgery, but why not take a look at a more natural alternative.

The physiology of carpel tunnel syndrome-in the wrist-is a key to understanding how and why carpel tunnel syndrome occurs. The problem occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed and aggravated. This compression occurs due to the tightening of the transverse carpel ligament that encircles the other ligaments that run in parallel down your arm. This bundle gives you the strength in your hands. Surgery for carpel tunnel syndrome seeks to lessen the pressure being put on the median nerve by the transverse carpel ligament.

The surgery itself is relatively simple and is done while the patient is under a light anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision in the palm of your hand and then proceeds to cut the transverse carpel ligament. Sounds harsh! Well, it is! This causes and immediate lessening of pressure and pain for the patient. However, there is some recuperation time needed as the transverse carpel ligament will need time to heal and scar over. This generally leaves more room for the other ligaments and also should alleviate the pressure on the median nerve.

When you are looking at the cost of the surgery, you may be looking at a price tag between 5 thousand dollars and ten thousand dollars. It can take six weeks or longer, and with that in mind, why in the world do so many people consider it their first option? The truth is that there are risks involved with any surgery and there may be complications on the road to recovery. You will also need to worry about regaining the strength in your hands and wrists.

Before you take the step of signing up for surgery, you'll find that there are plenty of other soothing techniques for you to try. Look at massages that you can have done that will keep the soft tissues in your hand from putting pressure on the nerve, and there are stretches that you can do as you work that will keep your ligaments from being so tight. This simple exercise can make all the difference in the world, as can maintaining good posture and making sure that you take periodic breaks from what you were doing.

Surgery is a last resort; it should not be the first thing you try, so look elsewhere for answers!

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment