Chiropractic Treatment Options for Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries can affect your quality of life and make it impossible to put joints and muscles through their natural range of motion without pain. As more people depend on cars, computers and other technologies to get through their day’s activities, repetitive stress syndrome is becoming increasingly common. Many people can benefit from chiropractic treatments to reduce the pain from the injury, and also to restore the body to a better state of health so that joints and tissues are protected against future damage.  

Carpal tunnel syndrome is perhaps the most well-known repetitive stress injury, but there are several other types of injuries that can affect the wrists and the hands. Guyon’s Canal syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel but involves a completely different nerve pathway. It is often caused by constant pressure on the palm of the hand, and overuse of the wrist from heavy gripping of large objects. Intersection syndrome affects the forearm and wrist, and typically occurs in people who perform repeated actions using their lower arms such as shoveling, canoeing or raking.

In all of these cases, chiropractic therapy may consist of strengthening and lengthening the supporting tissues around the affected area, and gentle massage and tissue manipulation to restore healthy nerve functioning.

Cubital tunnel syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome and a condition known as lateral epicondylitis are the most common repetitive stress injuries that occur in the elbow area. When the nerve roots located at the base of the elbow are not functioning properly, the sufferer experiences excessive pain and tenderness around the elbow joint whether they are moving their arm or not. The pain typically gets worse when the person bends their wrists or attempts to lift heavy objects.

 

Chiropractic treatments for repetitive stress injuries in the elbow area can help to increase circulation around the elbow joint, and improve nerve functioning throughout the body. The chiropractor may not treat the affected area directly, but may work on strengthening and manipulating the tissues in the forearm and upper arm so that range of motion is restored.

Thoracic Outlet syndrome is the most common repetitive stress injury of the neck and shoulders. The condition can occur as a result of workplace activities that involve a constant, restricted movement of the head and neck, or even from wearing a tight seatbelt for long periods of time. Symptoms of this syndrome include excessive pain and numbness in the shoulders, hands and arms. Chiropractic therapy may involve increasing blood circulation to the upper body and reducing circulation blockages around the affected area.

 

If you are suffering from any of the common types of repetitive stress injuries, consult with a chiropractor in your area. He or she will be able to conduct a spinal assessment and determine where the trigger points of your injury are located. Your treatment plan may consist of a series of adjustments and tissue manipulation that help to reduce pain and restore healthy joint functioning.