Resolution of Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Following Subluxation Based Chiropractic Care: A Case Study
Jonathan Murphy, BS, Rod Floyd, DC, Christopher Varnum, DC, Joel Alcantara, DC
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ December 15, 2014 ~ Pages 206-210
Abstract
Objective: To report on the successful care of an adult female with bilateral wrist pain along with numbness and tingling.
Clinical Features: A 57-year-old Caucasian female presented with a chief complaint of bilateral hand pain and numbness of the first three digits that radiated towards her left arm. The hand pain was worse when sleeping and when performing repetitive motions. Ibuprofen, icing and rest mildly and temporarily alleviated her pain complaint. The patient’s numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain was 8/10 for both hands that affected her ability to use a mouse and keyboard and her ability to fall asleep or maintain her sleep.
Intervention and Outcome: The patient was cared for with a combination of Diversified Technique adjustments to sites of vertebral subluxations in the cervical spine along with adjunctive therapies that included soft-tissue manipulation, cold laser, icing and exercise to strengthen her wrist extensors. The patient’s presenting symptoms improved based on subjective reports and the use of the Upper Extremity Functionality Index.
Conclusion: This study adds to the evidence on the salutary effects of chiropractic care (i.e., chiropractic adjustments and adjunctive therapy) for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Keywords: Chiropractic, carpal tunnel syndrome, subluxation, adjustment, manipulation
