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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? It seems to me that lately we've been seeing a lot of people that have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome who may not actually have the condition at all. True carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by repetitive forceful muscular activity or violent vibration that causes repeated small internal traumas to the forearm and wrist. This, over time, causes compression of the median nerve between the tendons and ligaments in this area producing the symptoms of recurring pain, numbness, and sometimes swelling in this area, and especially the hand. The usual treatment is anti-inflammatory drugs and, when the pain gets really severe, surgery to try to take pressure off of the nerve. It seems to me that we have found that many people suffering from these same symptoms get "pigeon-holed" into the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome when actually the cause of their condition is much less serious and easier to deal with. Unfortunately, these are the very same people, who after undergoing surgery to relieve their symptoms, gain little or short-lived relief. The actual cause of this condition in these people is quite often this same median nerve being compressed and irritated where it emerges from the vertebra in the neck area and runs along the shoulder. Persistent tight, tense muscles in this area can cause the same effect as true carpal tunnel syndrome, with just as much pain and debilitation. We find this, especially, in cases where the patient routinely performs repetitive but not really forceful motions. These activities are not violent enough to cause damage to the wrist or forearm, but can create stiff necks, tight shoulders, and lots of tension. It seems to me that life is much too short to live with pain, expense, and inconvenience when it may not be necessary. Holistic healthcare delves into many different aspects of a condition and uses a totally individualized approach that can bring relief from pain and dysfunction quickly and naturally. This gentle non-invasive treatment is based on correcting all of the causes of pain and relieving stress and inbalance contributing to the problem. |