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.