Alternatives to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery

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by Tom Nicholson

If your job requires you to work closely with your hands and wrists, you may have an inkling about what carpal tunnel syndrome feels like. You can recognize that tightening in your forearm, and the numbness and even pain you will begin to feel in your wrists and hands. You know what it feels like to wake up from a sound sleep with these sensations, and you may be wondering what in the world you can do about it.

To understand carpal tunnel syndrome, you need to understand the physiology of the syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome, quite simply, is the tightening of the wrist that compresses the median nerve and causes all of the typical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. It can be a debilitating and sometimes excruciating condition that requires some sort of intervention to repair.

This is not a great condition for those who rely on their hands and arms to do their jobs. If you are a typist or work in an office, then you know that carpal tunnel syndrome can nearly cost you your job. It is the same for others who work in construction, who are painters or who may even cut hair for a living. People take for granted that their hands and wrists can keep performing even under the greatest of strains and so they are surprised when they start feeling pain and numbness in their hands or arms.

Surgery is one option for those who wish to be rid of the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel surgery is usually done under “twilight anesthesia”. The surgery itself involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve ongoing damage to the nerves. The transverse carpal ligament is a ligament at the wrist that wraps around all the other ligaments running vertically along the arm. The idea is that cutting this ever tightening ligament will immediately reduce pressure on the other ligaments. The transverse carpal ligament will then “scar” together while leaving more room for the other ligaments.

Surgery outcomes cannot be predicted, and when you are dealing with a delicate area like the wrist, it can become complicated. Carpal tunnel surgery and rehabilitation may cost up to $10,000, plus all the time you will need to recover properly. You may also find that you lose strength in your wrist or arm.

Prevention and relief of carpal tunnel syndrome may be easier than you think. Take a few days off from whatever it is you do that aggravates your condition. This rest period will help, even if it is only a short time. Start some simple wrist exercises that will help stretch the transverse carpal ligament. This will help take the pressure off everything inside the carpal tunnel. You may need to work with a physical therapist to find the perfect stretches for you. Results should be felt almost immediately. Surgery should always be a last resort.

Preventing carpal tunnel syndrome is easier than you think. With a little effort, you can do the stretches and activities necessary to reduce the tightness of your transverse carpal ligament and avoid risky surgery.

About the Author:

Many carpal tunnel sufferers resort to surgery to try when looking for relief from their pain. However, what some doctors don’t tell you is that invasive surgery doesn’t always alleviate all of your symptoms and can actually cause more problems. Follow this link to learn about avoiding carpal tunnel surgery.

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