Micro-Invasive Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Can carpal tunnel syndrome cause pain all the way to my shoulder?
Shoulder pain is an often overlooked symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. It may seem counter-intuitive, but the pinching of the median nerve affects more than just your hand. You may experience pain or numbness in every muscle and joint between the tips of the fingers and the cortex of the brain.How Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Can Lead to Shoulder Pain
The carpal tunnel is a narrow region in the wrist that is located on the side of the palm. It protects the tendons that are responsible for bending the fingers, as well as the median nerve. When there is too much pressure in this area, a person can experience weakness, numbness, or tingling in the fingers and hand.
Over time, the entire functionality of a person’s arm can be affected. Shoulder pain can be intense and constant, or it can occur with specific motions such as reaching overhead or behind the back. This can make it difficult to handle everyday tasks as simple as brushing your hair or putting away your groceries after a shopping trip.
Getting a Diagnosis for Carpal Tunnel
Do not attempt to diagnose your condition at home. Although it’s estimated that about 75% of cases of shoulder pain are related to carpal tunnel syndrome, there are a number of other medical problems that can also cause similar pain and limited range of motion. A doctor can perform a full examination to determine if carpal tunnel syndrome is the culprit. Contact our Towson office to learn more about how we can get you back to making the most of each day.
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Will regular computer use increase my risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome?
It’s a common misconception that office workers who spend their days typing at a computer are placing themselves at risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. A 2001 study in Neurology conducted by researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, offers insight into the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among office workers. This study looked at office workers who used their computer keyboards for six to seven hours per day and did not find an increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome compared to other workers. Only 3.5% of the 250 workers in the study met the diagnostic criteria for carpal tunnel syndrome—a rate that was similar to the general population.Computer Use Makes Symptoms More Noticeable
While typing doesn’t cause a person to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, it can make the symptoms of the condition more noticeable. Office workers who experience numbness, tingling, and burning in the fingers or pain that travels up the forearm towards the shoulder while typing should consult their healthcare provider for a diagnosis. A doctor can rule out conditions with overlapping symptoms, such as tendonitis.
Office Workers May Have Other Risk Factors
The mistaken belief that typing causes carpal tunnel syndrome may be related to the fact that office workers often have other risk factors for the condition. Women, especially those who are experiencing hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause, have an increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are also known risk factors.
Get Carpal Tunnel Treatment at Our Towson Office
Dr. Eric H. Williams, a nerve expert who specializes in reconstructive surgery and pain relief, knows that the demands of your work may not allow for you to spend several weeks or even months recovering from a traditional endoscopic procedure or open surgery. Learn more about your options for quickly and effectively addressing your carpal tunnel pain by contacting our Towson office.
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