Madison Chiropractors Discuss the Difference Between Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Repetitive Stress Syndrome

By: Dr. Justin Walbom, DC and Dr. Greg Millar, DC CCEP
Millar Chiropractic - Madison AL

Like many Americans, you've probably been spending a lot of time on your computer - researching topics, reading reviews and comparing products, shopping, reading articles, blogs and forums, watching videos, typing, and most of all dragging and clicking your mouse repeatedly. You may have begun to notice a chronic dull ache in the wrist you use with your mouse. There may also be a tingling sensation in your thumb, and pain in your forearm when you move your fingers. You may assume that you have carpal tunnel syndrome.

It's actually quite a bit more likely that you've developed something we refer to as repetitive stress syndrome, which usually responds well to chiropractic treatment.

It is not unusual for internists, family physicians, and even many orthopedists to misdiagnose repetitive stress syndrome as carpal tunnel syndrome.  When a patient presents with wrist and thumb pain, many physicians jump to the conclusion that it is carpal tunnel syndrome. This unfortunately results in unnecessary neurologic testing, needless medication, and unwarranted surgeries.

According to Dr. Greg Millar and Dr. Justin Walbom of Millar Chiropractic Clinics in Madison, AL, true carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is relatively uncommon. It is usually associated with pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, or decreased thyroid activity. Another indicator for CTS is that the pain is increased at night, and decreases with activity.  Here is a simple test for CTS that you can try at home: place the tips of your thumb and index finger together, forming a circle, and hold this position while another person attempts to pull your fingers apart. If your fingers are strong and can keep the circle closed, you probably don't have CTS.

The forearm, wrist and tendon pain that is common after prolonged use of a computer is due to RSS, which stands for repetitive stress syndrome. What exactly is RSS and what causes it?  Basically, it's the result of repeating the same activity too frequently and over too long a period of time. The pain caused by RSS can be extremely uncomfortable and cause a significant amount of frustration and limitation.

If you are suffering from RSS, it is important to rest the effected areas of the body and avoid the irritating activities.  If you are experiencing computer-related repetitive stress on your dominant side, it is very helpful to  begin using your mouse with your opposite hand. It can be a bit challenging at first, but it's a highly effective way to alleviate your RSS symptoms.  Eventually, when your dominant hand/wrist is feeling better, you can continue to use your non-dominant hand, or switch back and forth throughout the day to lessen your risk of RSS re-occurrence.

Chiropractic treatment may also be helpful in treating RSS. There are various musculoskeletal problems - most notably tight neck and shoulder muscles - that may contribute to RSS. Your chiropractic physician will perform a complete evaluation to determine the source of the problem.

Treatment often includes gentle chiropractic adjustments to improve the mobility of your neck and to reduce stress and tension in your neck and shoulders. Trigger point therapy will also help to relax the tight muscles in your shoulders, wrist and forearm, and will help to alleviate the physical discomfort that accompanies RSS.

Chiropractic treatment, rehabilitative exercises, and resting the affected areas will often result in rapid improvement - decreased pain, greater mobility, and the ability to focus on the work you want to get done, rather than the pain that is getting in your way!

Millar Chiropractic - Madison AL
1908 Slaughter Rd. 
Madison, Alabama 35758
(256) 430-2700

http://millarchiro.com/millarchiropractic-madisonal-chiropractor.html