Understanding Hand Pain & Wrist Pain, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Wrist injuries are very common. So, naturally, hand pain and wrist pain occurs in many people.
The upper limbs are often used for defense or to cushion possible trauma.
The wrist is a delicate joint system.
Falling or blocking a blow can cause severe injuries.
In truth, we sacrifice our hands and wrists to protect the rest of our bodies.
As years go by, the wear and tear in our hands and wrists can accumulate, forming scars and arthritic conditions of the joint.
"The most notorious carpal bone for misaligning is called the Lunate bone" - Dr. Sun
Some wrist diseases are common, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and tendonitis.
But others are rare and difficult to diagnose, such as Kienbock's disease.
Obviously, it is imperative that a detailed examination be done before any form of treatment is rendered.
If treated wrongly, any permanent residual wrist pain can be debilitating.
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The Differential Diagnosis for Wrist and Hand Pain
- Sudden acute injuries
- Repetitive injuries
- Subluxation of wrist carpal bones
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Arthritic diseases
The wrist is partially comprised of eight small carpal bones that allow for its incredible mobility.
The eight bones are very strong and stable, but they sometimes tend to misalign.
The crescent-shaped carpal bone named "Lunate" is notorious for its tendency to misalign.
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Evaluation, Treatment, & Diagnosis of Hand & Wrist Pain
A good chiropractor must perform a detailed history intake and physical examination of the wrist's stability.
During the examination, the alignment of every bone and its articulation must be checked.
Then a thorough neurological evaluation must be performed.
Sometimes the wrist pain and numbness have nothing to do with the involved hand and wrist and everything to do with other parts of the body. For example, it could be due to neck and shoulder nerve impingements.
Ruling out such possible pain referrals from more proximal body parts is necessary to formulate an accurate diagnosis.
As an office protocol, we evaluate the elbow region due to its proximity and effect on wrist stability.
We can take wrist and hand X-rays at Good Life Chiropractic along with a comprehensive wrist evaluation. The most common X-rays at our office are spinal X-rays of the neck, upper back, and low back regions.
But interestingly, the X-rays showing the most fractures have always been of wrists and hands.
The subtleness and severity of these injuries call for the detailed attention of an expert practitioner.
According to our latest statistics, we perform upwards of 15 wrist and hand adjustments weekly.
What To Do...
If you suffer from wrist or hand pain, call our office for an evaluation of your condition.
I look forward to helping you get relief from your hand pain or wrist pain, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Dr. Sun Hwang, D.C.
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Hand & Wrist Pain FAQs
Q - Can chiropractic treatment help relieve hand or wrist pain?
A - Yes, chiropractic treatment can help relieve hand or wrist pain. It often involves adjustments and manipulations to enhance joint mobility and improve the functioning of the nervous system which can alleviate pain and discomfort.
Q - What techniques do chiropractors use for hand and wrist pain?
A - Chiropractors utilize various hand and wrist pain techniques, including manual adjustments, mobilization, and stretching exercises. The specific technique used depends on the underlying cause of the pain.
Q - How many sessions will I need to see improvement in my hand or wrist pain?
A - The number of sessions needed can vary greatly depending on the cause and severity of your pain. Some patients might see improvement after a few sessions, while others may require several weeks of treatment.
Q - Is chiropractic care safe for carpal tunnel syndrome?
A - Yes, chiropractic care is generally safe for carpal tunnel syndrome. Chiropractors can work to alleviate the pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, which is often the cause of the condition, thereby reducing pain and improving function.
Q - Are there any risks or side effects involved with chiropractic treatment for hand or wrist pain?
A - While chiropractic treatment is generally considered safe, potential risks can include temporary discomfort, fatigue, or headaches. It's rare, but more serious complications can occur, which is why it's essential to always have these treatments performed by a licensed and experienced chiropractor.
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