Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 6/21/2008

Question
I have had CTS for a number of years, I have mild bulging disc  I'm not sure where they are at but my ? is when I turn my head to the left I fell pain in my shoulder, on the top of my forearm and numbness in my thumb and 1st 2 fingers only in my left arm. I do not have a pinched nerve I do not have to be doing anything for this to occur what can I do to alleviate these symptoms. I take ibuprofen and I'm taking Neurontin and its not working. I have used the braces as well with no relief.

Answer
pain and numbness, CTS, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, bulging disc, pinched nerve, neck pain, shoulder pain, arm pain.

Hello Lynn,

Sorry to hear of your CTS which I am assuming in this case means Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  You do not mention if your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome  (CTS) is Bilateral or one sided (right?, Left?,  most probably left since your other symptoms are left).

Given your description of symptoms i would say this sounds like a pinched nerve in the neck radiating into the shoulder, arm, wrist, hand.  This goes right along with the diagnosis of CTS.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is often a 'double crush' phenomena.  'Double crush', means that not only is the median nerve impinged in the wrist (the carpal tunnel), but along the course of the nerve, higher up, usually at the cervical spine; there is a second source of impingement.  This second source of nerve irritation is why so many CTS surgeries, or therapies - aimed only at the wrist end; fail.  The entire course of the nerve should be evaluated, from fingertips, throguh the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, upper arn, shoulder, neck areas.

The Doctor of Chiropractic is often called upon to evaluate and often treat CTS.  The Doctor will treat the mechanical problem in the wrist, elsewhere in the extremity, and the cervical spine if need be.
Chemicals, medicines address the inflammation, but not the cause of the inflammation resulting in CTS.

I utilize an informational handout in my Staten Island Chiropractic office for CTS, perhaps this will help you:
       ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ( sometimes known as-  pinched nerve, neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis )

Sometimes  we  can  wake  up  with  pain or numbness or tingling in our arms/ forearms/
wrists/ hand or fingers,,, this can be ’Carpal Tunnel’.  Usually CT is due to two pinches-
one in the neck, the next in the wrist!  So the symptoms should be treated at both ends, the neck and wrist !

              Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    (a.k.a.  ‘subluxation’)
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.

A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.

This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:

      Spinal Kinesiopathology:
         This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.

      Neuropathophysiology:
         Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.

      Myopathology:
          Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.

      Histopathology:
         A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.

      Pathophysiology:
         The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration.  Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.

The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
         Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
          Vertebral  Subluxation  cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone.  Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,     best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.  For good health- Treat the   Cause,  not just the Symptoms.
  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I would not be surprised if your bulging disc is somewhere in your cervical spine and contributing to your complaint.

Nutritionally you should supplement with B6, B-complex, proteolytic enzymes, and quercetin.  These all help with the complaint of CTS.  Your local family Doctor of Chiropractic would be able to help you here as well.

Hope this helps,  Good Luck and Good Health Naturally.  This is your Staten Island Chiropractor signing off.

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://www.DocDolan.net
http://www.GoodHealthNaturally.info
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com  (email newsletter)