For those with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), they may wonder if surgery is their only option. And the answer is in many instances NO. Provided a person with suspected CTS seeks treatment sooner than later conservative interventions are often helpful.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a compressive condition whereby the Median Nerve is compressed by the transverse carpal ligament (as the nerve runs underneath and into the hand). As a result of the compression, a person may experience numbness/tingling into the thumb, pointer and middle fingers. A classic symptom is waking a night or in the morning with numbness or tingling. This frequently occurs as a person “curls” their wrists sleeping resulting in compression of the carpal tunnel. In addition loss of grip strength, dexterity of the fingers, and shrinking of the thumb muscles can occur in later stages.
How can conservative interventions help?
Data indicates that addressing factors such as wrist motion and nerve mobility, along with some daily life modifications does well to ease CTS symptoms. Improving motion and mobility are 2 of the most important factors leading to successful treatment. In addition, things like a night split (to prevent wrist curling during sleep) and potential changes to work station or computer keyboard set up have also been found helpful.
Other items to make sure are examined for complete thoroughness include: elbow and shoulder mobility as well as the neck and upper back. These more distant regions are often not examined yet when treated may result in improvement in symptoms.
When should surgery be considered?
When conservative treatments noted above do not result in reduction or elimination of CTS symptoms within a few weeks. OR should the person suffering start to notice shrinking of the thumb muscles or losing sensation of touch of the fingers. At that point, surgical intervention is likely necessary.
Bottom line: It is possible to avoid surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome provided the person suffering seeks treatment in a reasonable time frame and then gets best practice conservative care.