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Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve inside of the wrist becomes compressed and results in severe pain in the hand and the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also prevent a person from performing routine tasks as the pain becomes excruciating or the compressed median nerve, which assists in the action of the thumb and the next 3 fingers, causes a deficit in the movement and activity of those fingers. Besides pain, it is not unusual for a person to feel numbness in the wrist and fingers, making it very difficult to use their hands for even the most simple activities, such as writing or holding a beverage.

This condition can be caused my many conditions including obesity, wrist injury, repetitive activities, pregnancy, obesity, and arthritis. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be a side effect of smoking since the blood flow to the median nerve will be restricted. No matter what the cause is, most people that have the condition will experience the pain and discomfort that interferes with their lives. It is common for people that have this condition to seek help from their physician and may even opt to have surgery to relieve the pressure and pain.

It is important for those who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome to know that there are non-invasive measures that can be taken to relieve the pain of this condition and to prevent further damage to the median nerve. If a particular activity is aggravating the nerve, it is advised that the activity be stopped and the wrist allowed to rest. During rest periods, applying ice to the area can also help.

Massage is considered to be one of the best methods to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Within a few weeks of implementing self massage treatments that are focused on the wrist, forearm, and hands, the pain will be relieved. If the carpal tunnel massage therapy is continued for several months, full use of the wrist and hand can be restored. Because the median nerve can be restricted closer to the spine, a thorough massage of the shoulder area and upper back can often provide substantial relief.

During a carpal tunnel massage, elongated rubbing or strokes along the forearm should be performed while the elbow, wrist, hand and fingers are extended. With this activity, the median nerve is encouraged toward decompression and is soothed into significantly reducing pain in that area.

Any exercise that employs resistance techniques along with aerobic activities are highly recommended since they can strengthen the arms, shoulders, and back in a way that will reduce weight which can cause undue strain on the median nerve.

While many also make use of a brace meant to support optimal posture for the hand while reducing stress and inflammation in that area, when this is accompanied with a daily carpal tunnel massage and carpal tunnel exercises of at least 20 minutes in length, surgery and further damage can often be avoided.

Enduring the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can be agonizing. Since pain is an indication of a damaged nerve, it shouldn’t be ignored and any activity that causes pain should be stopped as soon as possible to prevent any further damage. Carpal tunnel syndrome can often interfere with proper motor functioning, but with proper care the median nerve can be restored to health and a person can enjoy pain free hands.