Carpal tunnel symptoms will begin to rear their ugly heads when the median nerve that is located at the inside of the wrist becomes pinched or compressed. Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause mild to severe pain in both the wrist and hand and can often prevent people from preventing simple tasks. There can be severe pain along with numbness than makes it hard to use the hands. The median nerve is responsible for assisting with thumb action as well as the action of the next three fingers. Many times the numbness that can result can be very debilitating and makes it nearly impossible to do even the simplest tasks like holding a drink or writing.
Caused by a variety of conditions including wrist injury, obesity, arthritis, pregnancy, or activities with repetitive movements, carpal tunnel syndrome can also be a side effect of smoking, as it reduces the flow of blood to the median nerve. Whatever its cause, however, most people afflicted with it experience intense pain and discomfort that can interfere with their daily lives. It is not unusual for individuals with carpal tunnel to seek the assistance of a medical professional. Some even opt for surgery in an attempt to relieve pressure and restore proper functioning of the nerve.
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.
Perhaps one of the best methods for relief from carpal tunnel syndrome, however, is through massage. With just a few weeks of self-massage treatments that focus on the hand, wrist and forearm, the pain can be lessened. Within months of continuing carpal tunnel massage methods, full uninterrupted use of the hand and wrist can be restored. Because the median nerve can possibly be restricted closer to the spinal area, a massage of the upper back and shoulder regions may also offer substantial relief.
While apply a carpal tunnel massage, use elongated strokes and rubbing motions along the forearm while the fingers, wrist, hand and elbow are extended. With proper massage the median nerve will be encouraged to decompress and is significantly soothed which will reduce the pain.
Carpal tunnel exercises that employ resistance techniques combined with aerobic activities are also strongly advised as they can strengthen the back, shoulders and arms in such a way as to reduce weight in those areas, which may cause strain on the median nerve.
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.
Caused by a variety of conditions including wrist injury, obesity, arthritis, pregnancy, or activities with repetitive movements, carpal tunnel syndrome can also be a side effect of smoking, as it reduces the flow of blood to the median nerve. Whatever its cause, however, most people afflicted with it experience intense pain and discomfort that can interfere with their daily lives. It is not unusual for individuals with carpal tunnel to seek the assistance of a medical professional. Some even opt for surgery in an attempt to relieve pressure and restore proper functioning of the nerve.
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.
Perhaps one of the best methods for relief from carpal tunnel syndrome, however, is through massage. With just a few weeks of self-massage treatments that focus on the hand, wrist and forearm, the pain can be lessened. Within months of continuing carpal tunnel massage methods, full uninterrupted use of the hand and wrist can be restored. Because the median nerve can possibly be restricted closer to the spinal area, a massage of the upper back and shoulder regions may also offer substantial relief.
While apply a carpal tunnel massage, use elongated strokes and rubbing motions along the forearm while the fingers, wrist, hand and elbow are extended. With proper massage the median nerve will be encouraged to decompress and is significantly soothed which will reduce the pain.
Carpal tunnel exercises that employ resistance techniques combined with aerobic activities are also strongly advised as they can strengthen the back, shoulders and arms in such a way as to reduce weight in those areas, which may cause strain on the median nerve.
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 easy to do carpal tunnel exercises using massage that can ease the pain of CTS. Some of these simple 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 numbness caused by CTS.
