Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

One of the primary nerves to your hand, your median nerve, feeds through a narrow tunnel in your wrist. This tunnel — called the carpal tunnel — passes through bone and ligament, creating a large enough passageway for the nerve to connect from your arm to your hand unhindered. 

At least, that’s the case in healthy hands and wrists. However, issues along the carpal tunnel narrow the opening for your median nerve. The resulting pressure on your nerve causes carpal tunnel syndrome, which is characterized by the following in your hand:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling 
• Cramping
• Burning
• Weakness

The pain and tingling can also travel up your arm. 

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Overuse of your hand and wrist can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, as can an injury to the area. 

Edema, or fluid retention in the area, also narrows the carpal tunnel, causing this condition. Edema-caused carpal tunnel syndrome is most common during pregnancy. Fortunately, the fluid retention abates after giving birth, relieving discomfort in the hand and wrist. 

Regardless of what’s causing your carpal tunnel syndrome, you don’t have to wait to find relief. Visit Birmingham Neurosurgery & Spine Group, so your doctor can diagnose your condition and start treatment. 

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a physical exam. Your Birmingham Neurosurgery & Spine Group doctor also asks you questions about your symptoms and any activities that you’ve noticed worsen them. 

Next, they perform electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing to diagnose compression on the median nerve. NCV testing measures how well your nerve can conduct impulses, while an EMG measures muscular electrical activity. These outpatient tests allow your provider to determine the severity of your carpal tunnel so they can tailor treatment for you. 

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

The Birmingham Neurosurgery & Spine Group team prioritizes a conservative approach, meaning they start you with the least invasive treatments first. Some of the early treatments they offer to help relieve carpal tunnel pain include wrist extension splints and anti-inflammatory medication.

If these noninvasive treatments are ineffective, they may suggest surgery to help relieve your pain. During this procedure, called carpal tunnel release, your provider expands the carpal tunnel, alleviating pressure on the median nerve.

If you’re ready to put a stop to your hand and wrist pain, call Birmingham Neurosurgery & Spine Group to book an appointment today.