Tantric Yoga Techniques

If you are someone who has a job that requires repeated use of the hands and wrists, then you may know what carpal tunnel syndrome is all about. You know all about that tightening feeling in the forearm and wrist, numbness and sometimes even pain. You know what it’s like to wake up in the middle of the night with any one of these sensations, and you are wondering what to do about it.

To understand how carpal tunnel syndrome occurs, you need to learn a little bit about the physiology involved. Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve is compressed. The nerve cannot function correctly this way, and you begin to feel symptoms. This condition can be annoying, and it can become debilitating or even extremely painful that may require assistance to help it to heal.

This problem can be terrible for those who need to use their hands and arms every day to work. Typists, data entry clerks, and others who work on computers know that carpal tunnel can make you lose your job. Those who paint houses, work in construction or even style hair for a living may be under similar pressure. Most people just take it for granted that their hands and wrists will always do exactly what they need to do. It comes as a surprise to them when they begin feeling numbness or pain.

Surgery is one option for those who wish to be rid of the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel surgery is usually done under “twilight anesthesia”. The surgery itself involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve ongoing damage to the nerves. The transverse carpal ligament is a ligament at the wrist that wraps around all the other ligaments running vertically along the arm. The idea is that cutting this ever tightening ligament will immediately reduce pressure on the other ligaments. The transverse carpal ligament will then “scar” together while leaving more room for the other ligaments.

The truth is that the outcome of any surgery is unpredictable at best, and when dealing with the smaller ligaments, bones and muscles of the hand and wrist, it isn’t a good idea to go poking there. This kind of surgery and rehabilitation can cost up to $10,000 dollars and may or may not relieve one’s carpal tunnel syndrome. Also, the loss of strength in the wrist and arms is another distinct possibility.

Preventing and relieving carpal tunnel syndrome is much easier than you think. To start, you should take some time off from doing what you are doing to cause your pain. Even if this is only a couple of days, the time off will help. Simple wrist exercises to stretch the transverse carpal ligament can be done to ease the pressure on the other ligaments. Work with a physical therapist to find the right stretches that work for you and you should see results almost immediately. Always use surgery as a last resort.

Preventing carpal tunnel syndrome is easier than you think. With a little effort, you can do the stretches and activities necessary to reduce the tightness of your transverse carpal ligament and avoid risky surgery.