Hundred of thousands of people suffer from Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). This is a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) which means it doesn’t have a particular accident. It does develop slowly and gets worse. Whether it’s a construction person repeatedly using a screwdriver (the classic textbook cause), a computer operator or a craftsperson doing detail work, it all has the same problem - excessive use of muscles.

True CTS is an irritation to the ligament which crosses the inside of the wrist. Simple, yet effective, orthopedic test can determine if this is true CTS. Put your hands palm to palm and press them together so your wrists are at 90° angles. Now do the same thing with the backs of the hands. If it hurts you MAY have CTS. Now press deeply into the muscles in the forearm, elbow and top of the shoulder area. If there are sharp pains it MAY NOT be CTS. In these cases you may have a neuropathy or nerve problem instead with symptoms in the wrist and forearm area.

It’s important to know for sure because true CTS are usually best treated with medications, some physical therapies and often surgery. But, if it’s not then all that will do little or nothing to fix the pain. Unfortunately, you’ll still have the pain even after the surgery.

If it’s not true CTS than specialized physical therapies, deep muscle work and adjustments to the neck, elbow and hands are most effective. One nice thing is that people with non-true CTS can experience immediate improvement with just one proper application of the right therapies.

If you know someone who complains of arm and hand pain, especially if they also have headaches or neck tension with it, help them out. Tell them they don’t have to live with it or go through surgery unless that’s what they really want. If they are even thinking of surgery remember, it’s always best to try conservative care first and then, if it doesn’t work, to proceed to surgery.