Carpal Tunnel Syndrome-Who Can Fix It?
When you have painful carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), life can be miserable. Dreams and goals are often put on hold. What’s worse, many CTS sufferers don’t know what type of doctor to go to or where to get accurate, cutting edge advise.
Chiropractors are often thought of as just “back doctors” but research shows they can be a big help with CTS. For example, one study reported significant improvements in strength, range of motion, and pain reduction after chiropractic treatment was given to 25 patients diagnosed with CTS. Even better, the majority of the patients reported continued improvements for 6 months or more.
In another study, this time comparing chiropractic care to standard medical care between 91 patients with CTS, one group received standard medical care (night wrist splint and 2400 mg/day of ibuprofen). A second group received chiropractic treatment that consisted of spinal and wrist adjustments, ultrasound, and wrist splinting at night. This study proved that chiropractic care could be included as a drug free form of therapy for patients with CTS.
Like all doctors’ offices, care may vary from office to office. But, if you are looking for a Chiropractor who offers safe and effective wrist and hand symptom care, log on to www.relieffromcarpaltunnel.com for more information.
Or call 262-251-8306 and talk to Jennifer about a free consultation with no obligation for treatment.
References
1) Davis PT, Hulbert JR, Kassak KM, Meyer JJ. Comparative efficacy of conservative medical and chiropractic treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized clinical trial. Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1998;21(5):317-326.
2. Bonebrake AR, Fernandez JE, Dahalan JB, Marley RJ. A treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1993;16(3):125-139.
What is a Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis pronounced, \ˌspän-də-lō-lis-ˈthē-səs\ or spondylo for short.
Spondylolisthesis is a big word that describes a condition where a vertebra has slipped forward on top of the one below it. The vertebra can slip so far forward that it can choke off 
nerve roots in the spine and cause shooting pain.
A spondylolisthesis is most commonly found on the very lowest vertebra (L5) or the one above it (L4). Although, I have seen them at higher levels in the spine on rare occasions.
The most common cause of a spondylolisthesis is a stress fracture. The fracture splits the vertebra so that the front part slips forward and the back part stays where it is. Sometimes you can feel around with your fingers and find a divot where the spine dips in, just above the involved vertebra. The stress fracture usually occurs during physical activity during adolescence, but they can occur at other times.
Sometimes the fracture is missed on standard imaging because no slippage has occurred. This is called a pending spondylolisthesis and only shows up on a study called a SPECT scan.
The odd thing about spondylos is that many people have them and don’t even know it. It may happen to you as a teenager and you may have little or no pain at that time. However, if your posture deteriorates or you injure the area, it can flare up and cause a lot of pain.
Spondylo patients can be treated with chiropractic, but not all techniques work well. Since the vertebra is already forward, a technique that will push it more forward, is obviously not advisable. The main goal of treatment is to correct the patient’s posture, so that there is less stress in the area of the spondylo. That can give a lot of pain relief.
Treatment is followed up with home instructions for care that will help prevent re-aggravation.
To learn more about how I treat spondylolisthesis log onto www.newbackpainreliefinfo.com. Or if you would like to set up a free consultation to see if I can help, call Jennifer at 262-251-8306.
Is Chiropractic Safe After Spinal Surgery?
If you have had back surgery, chances are you are still in pain. Studies show that 53% of patients who have undergone spinal surgery are still in pain or feeling worse.
In my opinion, spinal surgery has such a high failure rate because it fails to address the spinal alignment problems that created the need for the surgery in the first place.
I have had many patients tell me that their surgeon warned them to “Never see a chiropractor !” But, out of desperation, they came to see me anyway, just to try and get some relief. 
Unfortunately, if you asked these same surgeons, “what does a chiropractor do that is so bad ?” they probably wouldn’t have much of an answer for you.
The good news is, chiropractic procedures can be done on patients after they have had spinal surgery. The bad news is, it is more difficult to get a good outcome. Difficult, but not impossible.
It is more difficult because structures that were once there, are now removed. This is the case when a laminectomy is done. Or, vertebrae have been fused together, which makes it more difficult to work around that area.
However, realigning the areas above and below the surgery sight can provide a great deal of relief. I have had many patients get excellent pain relief, freedom of movement and reduction in pain medication after a good course of chiropractic treatment.
If you are in pain after spinal surgery, I would definitely suggest trying specific chiropractic techniques. And, I would look for someone who has training and experience in treating post-surgical spinal cases. If the treatment is working, you should feel at least some relief after a couple of weeks of treatment. From there, your doctor should be able to make further recommendations for treatment, based on his findings and how you have responded.
For more information on the care I provide, log on to www.newbackpainreliefinfo.com.
The best thing to do, if you have had spinal surgery is to get a hold of any X-rays, CT’s or MRI’s you have had since your surgery and bring them with you to the free evaluation. Then, I can tell you what I can do for you. Some people with spinal fusions, I can’t treat. Almost all laminectomy patients can be treated. Basically, I need to see what was done, and the only way for me to do that is to see films.
If you don’t have access to your films, come in for the free evaluation anyway and we can talk about your situation. I can get a good idea of what is going on and then send you for imaging if I think I might be able to help.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) – “Fact Sheet”
What is it?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when a nerve on the palm side of the wrist is pinched. It is named after the area of the wrist where the nerve irritation occurs. The Carpal Tunnel is basically a horseshoe shape made from 8 small carpal bones and the ends of the horseshoe are connected with a ligament. This creates a tunnel where the a nerve called the median nerve and 9 tendons that control your fingers pass through.
What are the symptoms?
CTS symptoms start with pain in the wrist from the swelling of the tendons inside the Carpal Tunnel. When the nerve pinch occurs, numbness, tingling, or a half asleep sensation going into the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers occurs. This is often worse at night due to the wrist being bent when asleep. This often wakes the person and shaking/flicking the hand/fingers is needed to “wake them up.” Grip weakness is also associated with CTS and the person may have difficulty holding onto objects or handling small parts.
What are the causes?
Usually, over use from repetitive work like meat packing, typing, sewing, carpentry and waiting tables. These fast/repetitive movements cause swelling of the 9 tendons of the carpal tunnel which eventually irritates the median nerve. Other causes include hormone related conditions such as hypothyroidism, dysmenorrheal, diabetes, and poor dietary habits. Basically anything that causes the wrists to swell can lead to CTS.
How is it diagnosed?
The history of the symptoms as well as physical examination of the hands, arms, shoulders and neck leads to the correct diagnosis. The exam consists of trying to reproduce the numbness in the fingers by pressing over the wrist and other areas where the nerve runs down the arm (including the neck where the nerve originates), tapping over the Carpal Tunnel with a reflex hammer, bending and holding the wrists at the extreme endpoints of motion. More sophisticated testing includes an EMG (nerve conduction test) that tests the motor and sensory changes when the nerve is pinched.
How is it treated?
Chiropractic approaches include manipulation of the wrist, hand, forearm, shoulder and neck, specifically addressing the areas where the Median nerve can get pinched stretched or irritated. Soft tissue therapy includes massage and physical therapy modalities such as low level laser. Exercise training to stretch and strengthen the wrists and forearms is very helpful. Nutritional counseling and supplementation is often necessary.
You May be a candidate for a treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome without Drugs or Surgery! For More information, log on to: www.relieffromcarpaltunnel.com
Or To Schedule a FREE no obligation consultation with me, Dr. Paul Kramer, call Leah or Jennifer at 262-251-8306
What Causes Poor Posture?
Poor posture is commonly caused by misaligned bones in the spine. When spinal bones misalign in certain ways, they cause the spine to tip forward. The shoulders then droop down and forward, and you can start to get what is called forward head posture. (See the picture).
Forward head posture not only causes neck and back pain, but can cause a whole smorgasbord of conditions like shoulder pain, carpal tunnel symptoms, headaches, dizziness and fibrositis/fibromyalgia.
The bones of the spine misalign because of trauma like car accidents, falls, lifting or sports injuries. Also, people who are depressed often carry themselves in a droopy forward head posture that eventually warps the spine and causes pain. Sometimes the toxic effects of drugs or a bad diet can affect the muscles in such a way that the spine is effected.
Many spinal mis-alignments are self-correcting. Meaning the muscles of the body can re-align the spine all by itself. Unfortunately, the body has a hard time correcting mis-alignments in the forward direction, because the muscles don’t have enough of an angle to pull a bone straight back. There is nothing behind the spine to pull it backwards.
So, when a bone misaligns forward, it tends to get stuck. As time goes on, more and more bones get misaligned forward until the spine starts to lean forward and droop. All you have to do is look at a group of elderly people and you will usually see a lifetime of forward misalignment.
Many posture correction treatments focus on making the muscles of the spine stronger in order to pull itself upright. The problem is, that the angle just isn’t there to get it accomplished. With these methods, even the slightest correction takes heroic effort.
New advances in chiropractic technique make it possible to correct posture without muscular effort. Once the spine is re-aligned, the body weight is supported by the spinal bones. The muscles then relax and give the person greater ease of movement. To find out more about this method log on to www.new-chiropractic-solutions.com.
Or, you can call Jennifer or Leah at 262-251-8306 and set up a FREE consultation and posture evaluation to see if I can help you get pain free-great posture.
Five Steps To Make Sure You Get Back Surgery…What?
Spinal surgery has a very high failure rate. In fact the problem is so bad, Charles Burton MD, a leading researcher in spinal surgery; wrote an article called “Spinal Surgery, The Alarm Bells Are Ringing”. In it, he talks about the high rate of spinal surgery failure and states “Ill-advised spine surgery which creates more problems for patients than it solves, can no longer be tolerated.” -Surgical Neurology 65 (2006) 5-6. A copy of this article is available from my office.
I purposely wrote the following five steps with a little sarcastic bite. I wrote it that way to get your attention and point out the shocking stupidity of spine treatment in the USA.
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So here goes…If you like taking risks with your spine and really would like to make sure you get surgery at some time in the future, here’s what you do:
Step 1: Never go to a chiropractor. Numerous scientific studies show chiropractic is the safest, most effective form of therapy for low back related conditions. If you want to make sure you have back pain that’s bad enough to see a surgeon, take your surgeon’s advice and don’t see a chiropractor.
Step 2: If you do decide to go to one of these quasi-doctors don’t follow his or her advice concerning mattresses, pillows and exercises. Chiropractors know proper home care is critical in the treatment of back pain. If you want to assure that you will have a lifetime of back pain, you must sleep on a soft mattress.
Step 3: Get lots of cortisone shots in your back. Cortisone is a good short term anti-inflammatory and may be helpful in some cases. But, if you want to have surgery on your back, get lots of cortisone shots, so that your discs will deteriorate faster.
Step 4: Smoke cigarettes and drink a lot of alcohol. These two dehydrate your discs and cause a lot of inflammation. Smoking and drinking are a quick way to cause back problems and make sure that your surgery fails.
Step 5: Whatever you do, don’t eat healthy. If you want surgery, you are going to have to eat the way most of America does. Eat lots of fast food, glutamate, aspartame and processed carbohydrates that inflame tissues and lead to chronic pain.
On the serious side…
If you want to avoid surgery, do the opposite of the above. See a chiropractor, get a good firm mattress, exercise, avoid over-use of anti-inflammatory meds, avoid cigarettes and alcohol and eat healthy.
If you would like to find out more about how we treat low back related conditions like degenerative discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis without drugs or surgery, log on to www.NewBackPainReliefInfo.com.
Or, if you’d like to set up a FREE no obligation consultation with me, you can call Jennifer or Leah at 262-251-8306 and set up a time when we can meet and discuss your situation.
Does Poor Posture Cause Back Pain?
Yes, absolutely. Poor posture is by far the leading cause of back pain.
The main problem people have is that the spine misaligns in such a way that the shoulders and head droop down and forward. When this happens, more pressure is placed on your discs and they begin to get swollen and deteriorate.
This leads to arthritis, degenerative discs, sciatica and spinal stenosis. Many medical treatments are available that treat the damaged discs. These include medications, steroid injections and even surgery.
However, these treatments do not address the root cause of the problem. Which is poor posture. This is why medical treatment of back pain has such a high failure rate.
A treatment that simply addresses the damaged disc without addressing what caused the damaged disc, is doomed to failure.
Don’t get me wrong, sometimes a patient may need to have some medication to reduce the swelling in a disc. But, if the postural problem that caused the swollen disc is not addressed, the disc will continue to deteriorate and get worse.
Doctors of chiropractic concentrate on alignment and posture. This is why chiropractic treatment of back pain has such a high success rate. It treats the underlying cause of back pain and disc problems.
Thanks to new advancements in chiropractic technique, posture can be corrected very effectively. Improvements can be seen on a treatment by treatment basis.
To learn more about what I do to treat back pain, sciatica, degenerative discs and spinal stenosis, log on to www.NewBackPainReliefInfo.com and order our FREE report.
If you would like to set up a FREE no obligation consultation to see if I can help, call Jennifer or Leah at 262-251-8306 and they can set it up for you.
Is Fibromyalgia Real?
Is fibromyalgia real? I am often asked this and the answer is yes… and no. Yes, the pain is absolutely real and it can’t be explained away as something that’s “all in your head.” And no, in 99% of the cases it is not the result of some poorly understood disorder, but from a condition medical doctors likely do not find or treat.
In treating fibro. successfully for the last seven years, I have come to the conclusion that fibromyalgia is really a collection of problems that don’t get solved by medical doctors very well.
Fibromyalgia patients feel pain all over their body. Lots of tests are usually done and nothing definitive comes up. The diagnosis is often made by applying pressure to 18 different points on the body. If 11 of the 18 are sore, you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
From there it is usually treated with a lot of drugs, some physical therapy and instructions on how to better cope with the pain. Patients usually go from doctor to doctor looking for answers. By the time the average fibromyalgia patient gets to my office, they have seen six other doctors.
More than half of the fibromyalgia patients I treat, are really suffering from chronic whiplash. They’ve been in a car accident at some point and they’ve gone downhill ever since. Once the neck injury is treated properly, the symptoms quickly subside.
Some fibromyalgia patients have undiagnosed thyroid conditions. When the thyroid is not functioning properly, wide-spread aches and pains develop. The current blood testing methods are not sensitive enough to pick up many thyroid problems. And, many physicians will not diagnose a thyroid problem if the tests come back normal.
Nutritional disorders are present in most fibromyalgia patients. The typical American diet is loaded with foods that cause inflammation in the body. Inflammation causes pain. Medical doctors are notorious for not giving dietary advice, and/or giving the wrong dietary advice. There is no way a bad diet can be corrected with a pill.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not slamming the medical profession…OK, maybe a little. But, you must realize that their training does not allow them to explore the types of treatments that fibromyalgia patients need. For example, they wouldn’t know if you have a cavity in your mouth, but a dentist would.
If you have fibromyalgia, seeing a chiropractor could be the best decision you ever make. We have training that allows us to detect and treat most of the problems fibromyalgia patients have. Make sure the chiropractor you choose has experience treating fibromyalgia and uses techniques that you can tolerate. I know from experience, you can’t adjust a sensitive fibromyalgia patient the same way you adjust a construction worker.
For more information on fibromyalgia, log on to www.stopyourfibronow.com and my office can send you a free copy of my report “Why Your Doctor May Be The Biggest Obstacle You Face In Getting Rid Of Your Fibromyalgia Pain”.
If you are interested in getting some help right away, call Jennifer or Leah at 262-251-8306 and they can set up a FREE no obligation consultation so we can talk about your situation and see if I can help.
Should I have Carpal Tunnel Surgery ?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful condition that causes symptoms of pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, and loss of strength and coordination in the thumb, index, middle and sometimes one-half of the ring finger. Not all of the symptoms or fingers have to be involved at the same time, because symptoms often vary and can move around. (Symptoms occuring in the ring and little finger are not carpal tunnel syndrome and are related to a completely different problem.)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by swelling in the tendons of the wrist. Tendons swell from over use and the swelling compresses a nerve (called the Median nerve) as it passes through a space in your wrist called the Carpal Tunnel.
Surgery is one option for treating this disabling condition; however, it remains a controversial choice and it is important to fully understand the risks and benefits involved. Too often patients are rushed into surgery before other conservative options have been tried. The reason for this misdirection is often due to the fact that a surgeon will make between $4-5,000 for each 30-minute surgical procedure.
Here are some things to consider before you go for surgery:
- 77% of all Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients could not return to their previous professions following surgery, according to the Bureau of Labor & Statistics and the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (1997-2000 Statistics).
- Carpal Tunnel Surgery has about a 57% failure rate following patients from 1-day to 6-years. At least one of the following symptoms re-occurred during this time: Pain, Numbness, Tingling sensations. Source: Nancollas, et al, 1995. J. Hand Surgery.
- Up to 36% of all Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients require unlimited ongoing medical treatment.
- It has been shown in multiple studies that carpal tunnel syndrome patients are often mis-diagnosed and are told to have the surgery, when they don’t even have it.
Surgery is by far the most invasive procedure and you need to think about it carefully because the majority of those undergoing the knife do not get long-term relief. Also, scar tissue can develop from the surgery that can make the problem even worse.
In contrast, the vast majority of patients do better with conservative treatment. It is estimated that less than 1/3 of all carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers actually require surgical intervention. Surgery is only recommended when there is persistent, debilitating pain, badly deteriorated grip, muscle wasting and all other conservative methods have been tried.
One thing you need to know is, you don’t need to be in a hurry to get surgery. As much as it is bothering you, you do have time to explore your options.
Chiropractic care and cold laser therapy have been found to be very effective in eliminating carpal tunnel syndrome without drugs or surgery. To find out more about these options log on to www.ReliefFromCarpalTunnel.com and order a copy of my free report “What many doctors don’t know about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.”
Or, you can call my office at 262-251-8306 and talk to Jennifer or Leah about scheduling a FREE no obligation consultation. It will give both of us a chance to meet, talk about your problem and see if I can help.
