Dealing with the discomfort of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome can be a real pain – literally! If you’ve been wondering whether there’s relief in sight, the answer might just lie in the hands of a chiropractor. In this blog, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, who’s at risk, its symptoms, and the most important question – can a chiropractor help?
What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome, also known as ulnar nerve entrapment, occurs when the ulnar nerve in your arm gets squeezed or irritated at the inside of your elbow. Imagine it like a kink in a hose, causing discomfort and various symptoms in your hand and arm.
Nerves are like message-carrying strings connecting your brain to your body. In your arm, three main nerves play important roles: the median, the ulnar, and the radial. The ulnar nerve runs from your neck to your hand, and it’s prone to compression at the elbow.
If you’re feeling tingling, numbness, or weakness in your hand or fingers, it could be cubital tunnel syndrome. This compression can happen not just at the elbow but also higher up the arm or at the wrist, leading to a range of symptoms.
Who is at Risk for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
If you’re someone who often bends or compresses your elbow, whether at work or in sports, you might be more likely to experience cubital tunnel syndrome. This condition is commonly seen in athletes like baseball, tennis, or racquetball players, as well as in workers who repeatedly flex their elbows while using tools or holding a phone against a hard surface.
Some factors increase the risk of cubital tunnel syndrome, such as:
- arthritis in the elbow
- prolonged elbow bending
- bone spurs
- cysts near the elbow joint
- a history of elbow dislocation or fracture
- swelling of the elbow joint
Having these risk factors doesn’t guarantee you’ll get cubital tunnel syndrome, but it does mean you’re more susceptible than the average person. Being aware of these risks can help you take preventive measures and seek help if you start experiencing symptoms.
Symptoms and Causes of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Understanding cubital tunnel syndrome involves exploring the potential causes and recognizing the symptoms that deserve attention. While the exact cause might not always be clear, several factors could contribute to this condition.
Causes
- Changes in Anatomy: The soft tissues around your ulnar nerve may thicken over time, or there might be extra muscle, affecting the nerve’s function.
- Pressure Points: Simple actions, like resting your elbow on an armrest, can unknowingly press on the ulnar nerve, leading to sensations like arm or hand falling asleep.
- Snapping Sensations: The ulnar nerve might occasionally move out of place, causing it to snap during certain movements, which can irritate the nerve.
- Stretching Strain: Keeping your elbow bent for extended periods, especially during activities like sleeping, may overstretch the ulnar nerve, contributing to cubital tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms
- Difficulty Moving Fingers: Numbness or tingling may make it challenging to move your fingers, especially when they feel “asleep.”
- Intermittent Numbness: Hand and finger numbness that comes and goes, indicating possible nerve compression.
- Elbow Pain: Pain on the inside of the elbow is a common symptom.
- Tingling Episodes: Tingling sensations in the hand and fingers, particularly when the elbow is bent.
Did you know? Subscapularis muscle pain often affects the 4th and 5th fingers and the forearm, making early intervention crucial.
If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms for more than six weeks or if they’re severe, consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial. Seeking timely help can prevent complications and eliminate these symptoms, restoring comfort and function. Leaving these symptoms untreated could lead to lasting nerve damage.
What Our Curis Chiropractors Say: Insights from Dr. Jay Bhakta
For conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome, getting the diagnosis right is crucial. Dr. Jay Bhakta, a skilled chiropractor at Curis Functional Health, stresses the importance of pinpointing the problem accurately. He says;
“Proper diagnosis is one of the most important tools in treating conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome. In many instances, we have seen it mistaken for a pinched nerve in the neck or vice versa. Finding the root cause allows for more accurate treatment, which I believe plays a significant role in our success.”
Dr. Bhakta’s expertise at Curis Functional Health in Mansfield, Texas ensures accurate diagnosis and effective chiropractic treatments for conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome.
What Kind of Doctor Should I See for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
For concerns about cubital tunnel syndrome, start by consulting a doctor. A primary care doctor or an orthopedic specialist is best suited to diagnose and guide you through potential treatments. It’s best if you can find an orthopedic doctor with expertise in sports medicine or elbow surgery, they may offer specialized and effective care.
Treatment Options:
The severity of symptoms determines the course of treatment, your chosen healthcare professional will guide you through the most suitable treatment plan based on your specific situation. Keep in mind that surgery may not always be necessary.
There are several non-surgical approaches that relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term damage to the ulnar nerve. One non-surgical approach you can try is chiropractic care. But how exactly can a chiropractor help with cubital tunnel syndrome?
How Can Chiropractic Care Help with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Chiropractic care is the best non-surgical solution for cubital tunnel syndrome. This safe and natural approach focuses on enhancing nerve health, offering a range of benefits. Chiropractors use chiropractic manual therapy, also known as cubital tunnel release or ulnar nerve release, to effectively address this condition. In more severe cases, they may suggest immobilization tools, such as splints or braces, to ease pressure on the ulnar nerve.
Chiropractic management of ulnar nerve compression involves a holistic approach, including modifying activities, specialized techniques for nerve mobilization, myofascial release, manipulation, and patient education.
Importantly, chiropractors don’t stop at symptom relief. They go the extra mile by addressing the root cause – compression of nerves when working. Your chiropractors can also recommend ergonomic workspace adjustments to prevent future issues.
Their expertise in musculoskeletal health allows for targeted adjustments that may help alleviate nerve compression, improve alignment, and enhance overall nerve function.
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Relief is Closer Than You Think!
Can a chiropractor help with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome? The answer is a resounding yes! At Curis Functional Health, our dedicated team understands the intricacies of conditions like Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. Chiropractic care is not just about alleviating symptoms; it’s about restoring balance and function to your body.
If you or someone you know is dealing with the discomfort of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, take the first step towards relief. Explore the possibilities that chiropractic care at Curis can offer – because your journey to wellness starts here.
