Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Neurosurgery located in Birmingham, AL
If you develop bothersome numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand because of carpal tunnel syndrome, see the specialists at Alabama Neurological Surgery & Spine in Birmingham, Alabama. The outstanding neurosurgeons offer nonsurgical and surgical treatments that ease your discomfort and restore the structure and function of your hand and wrist. Call the office to schedule an evaluation or use the online booking feature today.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by pressure placed on your median nerve by the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the palm side of each of your hands. When a nerve gets compressed, unpleasant or crippling symptoms may develop without the proper treatment. See the Alabama Neurological Surgery & Spine specialists at the first sign of hand or wrist pain.
The hallmark symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include tingling, weakness, and numbness in the affected hand, wrist, or arm. You might also drop objects often due to weakness in your hand or fingers.
The symptoms may be mild and not bother you much or extreme and debilitating. Numerous treatments can ease your discomfort and restore musculoskeletal functioning.
The common causes and risk factors associated with carpal tunnel syndrome include:
Repetitive motions used in the workplace, such as working with certain hand tools, may also increase your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Prevention measures include reducing the force used when gripping objects, taking short breaks from repetitive hand or wrist motions, keeping your hands warm, and using good posture.
To determine if carpal tunnel syndrome is the cause of your symptoms, the Alabama Neurological Surgery & Spine specialists discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms. They examine your hands and wrists and may order X-rays, ultrasound, or muscle and nerve testing.
Depending on the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome and your symptoms, an Alabama Neurological Surgery & Spine provider may recommend conservative options, such as taking frequent breaks from repetitive motions, using ice or heat packs, wrist splinting, physical therapy, injections, or oral medications.
Alabama Neurological Surgery & Spine also offers surgery to relieve nerve pressure by cutting the ligament pressing on a painful median nerve. Your surgeon first numbs the treatment area, offers you medicine to help you relax or fall asleep, and makes a tiny incision to complete surgery.
Over time as treated tissues heal, you can expect less pain and improved functioning in your hand, wrist, and fingers.
To get evaluated for carpal tunnel syndrome, call the Alabama Neurological Surgery & Spine office or schedule an appointment online today.