Carpal tunnel syndrome is a fairly common symptom of whiplash trauma.
The symptoms of CTS include pain in the hand and wrist. The pain is most frequently in the
thumb, index, and middle fingers, and becomes worse when the wrist is moved. There may
also be radiated pain into the arm and shoulder and neck. Another characteristic is night
time pain, often being awakened with painful numbness in the hand.
Cervical radiculopathy, which is the result of damage
to the nerves of the neck can cause symptoms which mimic CTS.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can cause compression of
nerve and vascular tissues, which can cause symptoms which mimic CTS.
Trauma to the hand and wrist can occur as a result of
bending the hand backward while bracing hands on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Fractures of the wrist can also give rise to CTS.
Treatment
Prompt treatment for CTS
is very important and should be undertaken before degenerative changes occur.
Treatment for CTS includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Chiropractic manipulation has
yielded benefits in CTS.
Myofascial release
NSAIDS
Wrist splints
Steroid injections
Surgery is suggested if there
is pain for more than one year. The return of symptoms within two years post-surgery
is common.