Do you have pain in the hand or forearm? You may also have paresthesia (pins and needles) into the ring and little finger of the same arm/hand. It could be due to Guyon’s ulnar tunnel syndrome. This post is about Chiropractic Care in West Palm Beach: Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Wrist.
Chiropractic Care in West Palm Beach: Causes of Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Tunnel of Guyon of the Wrist
The ulnar nerve may be compressed in the tunnel of Guyon at the wrist. It could be due to a traumatic sporting activity. For example, you may have slammed the ball while playing basketball against the rim of the hoop. Also, prolonged pressure over the hypothenar eminence (base of fifth digit/little finger) can be a culprit. For instance, constant compression on handlebars, as with cyclists, may cause this problem (i.e. handlebar or cyclist’s palsy). Other causes include vascular abnormalities and/or a ganglion cyst.
Anatomy of the Ulnar Nerve
The ulnar nerve is one of the 5 terminal (end) branches arising from the medial (closer to mid line) cord of the brachial plexus (network of nerves in the shoulder). It supplies motor and sensory innervation to the upper extremity. The ulnar nerve originates from contributions of the C8 and T1 nerve roots of the spinal cord. The nerve courses along the medial arm and forearm, and then it passes into the wrist, hand, and fingers.
The ulnar nerve provides motor (voluntary movement) innervation to part of the forearm and a majority of the hand. It supplies sensory cutaneous (skin) innervation to the medial forearm, medial wrist, and medial fifth digit, medial half of the fourth digit, and the corresponding part of the palm.
In the hand, the ulnar nerve branches to give rise to a palmar cutaneous (relating to the skin) and dorsal cutaneous branch.
Tunnel of Guyon Anatomy
The ulnar nerve enters the hand through Guyon’s canal. This is a fibro-osseous tunnel formed by the pisiform and hook of the hamate (2 of 8 carpal/wrist bones). So the tunnel of Guyon relays the ulnar neurovascular bundle (ulnar nerve, ulnar artery/vein, lymphatic vessels) into the hand.
Treatment at Meiri Chiropractic for Ulnar Neuropathy at the Tunnel of Guyon of the Wrist:
Firstly, soft tissue techniques will be rendered to the contracted fibrotic muscle and collagen at entrapment sites.
Secondly, Chiropractic adjustments (chiropractic manipulative therapy) to the wrist, and associated restricted joints. This would be along the kinetic chain and spine as necessary.
Thirdly, Therapeutic exercise will be given for stretching and strengthening.
Fourthly, if trauma or swelling is involved, ice, compression, elevation, and physical therapy modalities is utilized to reduce swelling. Ergonomic recommendations (i.e. protection with padding) and modification to change the inciting activity is necessary.
Are your suffering from Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Tunnel of Guyon at the Wrist?
We offer excellent Chiropractic care for Ulnar Neuropathy. At Meiri Chiropractic, we spend the time necessary to examine, diagnose and treat every neuromusculoskeletal condition and various ailments you have. Indeed, Chiropractic is a holistic and natural way to not only treat shoulder and arm pain, but to keep your body in its best working condition. We have been offering effective chiropractic care in West Palm Beach since 2006. Many of our patients reviews note our excellence. Call us today at 561-253-8984 to make an appointment or to find out more Chiropractic Care in West Palm Beach: Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Wrist.