The Hidden Truths About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery

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by Tom Nicholson

Many people who are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome first imagine that the only way they can get relief is through surgery. For those who have spent days or hours stuck behind a computer trying to plug away at their projects, dealing with the numbness and pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, this is not a pleasant sounding option. But it’s not only office workers who are considering surgery as an option. It is construction workers, painters and many other types of workers as well.

If the person uses their hands and wrists in the same particular way on a daily basis for most of each day they might suffer from this syndrome. If, like so many people, they also do not maintain the proper posture and/or technique they will aggravate the situation further. The individual, who spends his or her days hunched over their computer keyboard and never takes a break to even give their hands and wrists a good stretch, is courting with trouble. Unfortunately for them that trouble could turn into carpal tunnel syndrome.

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.

Although there are other alternatives available, for sufferers of the syndrome who desire to be pain free, surgery is only option they can choose. Usually the surgical procedure is performed under a milder anesthetic, called twilight anesthesia. During the procedure the surgeon cuts the transverse carpal ligament which prevents more damage to the nerves. This ligament is in the wrist and is wrapped around the other ligaments that run vertically up the arm. The idea behind this procedure is that by cutting the transverse carpal ligament it will no longer be able to tighten around the other ligaments which will then alleviate the pressure on them. The offending ligament will be joined together by scar tissue and the other ligaments will have more room.

No surgery is without its risks, and those who have carpal tunnel syndrome may even lose a great deal of strength in their wrists as a result. You also risk damaging any other nerves or tendons in the area. It just isn’t a very viable option unless it is absolutely your last resort. Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome can cost up to $10,000 dollars and leave you with weeks of recovery time.

Many therapists suggest that you make your environment more ergonomically sound. They stress the importance of having the proper posture and technique so that your wrists are not subjected to excessive strain. By taking regular breaks and stretching the hands and wrists you will lessen the pressure. Another method of helping to prevent the syndrome is to have hand and wrist massages as this helps to loosen the soft tissue in the hands. Considering that these options exist it is unfortunate that anyone would consider surgery as their first choice.

It is important that your first priority is to have healthy habits. With that in mind make sure that you are properly informed about carpal tunnel syndrome so that you can make an informed decision.

About the Author:

When something isn’t working properly, trying to fix the problem is more than a small task. The treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome is more difficult than the prevention of it, especially when you consider surgery. Often the surgery is not even effective,and it has been known to worsen the symptoms of cts. Learn all you can about carpal tunnel surgery before considering it!

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