At the base of each hand where the arm necks down to meet the hand, in the wrist area. there is a canal containing nine flexor tendons and the median nerve. This canal is covered with the carpal ligament forming what is called the carpal tunnel. When the median nerve is irritated causing numbness of the hand it is then called carpal tunnel syndrome. This can become a very painful experience.

Often the cause of pain in the carpal area is not known. It is known that an inflamed nerve causes pain, but, it is not always clear what causes the inflamed nerve. The nine tendons and the median nerve are in close proximity passing through the tunnel. The tendons are attached to muscles located in the arm and give the thumb and fingers their motion and strength.

Several causes have been advanced. Some say that Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) is the cause. Working as a typist, computer work, using vibrational tools would be examples of RSI. It has never been established that RSI causes carpal tunnel syndrome. It appears that repetitive stress will greatly amplify any pain from existing carpal tunnel numbness and pain. Some say that the condition is hereditary. Same say that the flexor tendons become enlarged when not used and stretched out. This has given rise to stretching exercises and they have become very popular.

There is also a message technique that has been credited with relieving the pain and numbness and in some cases affects a cure. Often the message technique and stretching are used together.

It is not often considered, but, the median nerve actually starts in the base of the neck and passes through the shoulder and down through the arm and into the hand. Any irritation of the nerve along the way could show up as numbness and pain in the hand. An evaluation by a professional care gives is a good idea.

For years vitamin B complexes have been used to facilitate nerve damage repair. Taking vitamin B will help and it will not cure the condition. It should be used in conjunction with other treatment. Taking vitamin B usually has no side effects.

Anti inflammatory medications may provide some short term relief. It is best not to use them for a prolonged period of time as by themselves they will not cure your pain.

Steroids have become popular for relief of this type of pain. Before you submit to using steroids, please do a literature search on using steroids. You may experience some pain relief. As the literature points out you will also experience muscle deterioration.

The use of wrist splints or braces have helped reduce the pain especially if used during sleeping hours. It tends to keep the hand straight and not in a position to put pressure on the carpal area. Some have found a bit of relief using the various ergonomic devices available. Ergonomic keyboards and mouses and the like. Braces and ergonomic devices will not cure anything.

Although health care providers are quick to recommend surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome pain, that should be entertained only after all non invasive methods have been exhausted. The success rate for surgery is not very good. Some people never attain presurgery dexterity and strength.

Author Bio: For more interesting articles and information on carpal tunnel syndrome please visit my blog. Hand and Wrist Pain

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: carpal tunnel syndrome,carpal tunnel.repetitive stress injury