Chiropractic Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy in the Arm and Hand

Posted on September 6, 2020December 3, 2022 by

From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s Clinical Pearl Stories:

Chiropractic Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy in the Arm and Hand

Author: Natalie Meiri, D.C. Posted: 9/5/20

This was a 56 year old female patient with a chief complaint of carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands. To be HIPAA compliant, I will call her Stephanie instead of her real name. Stephanie has been a secretary/ administrative assistant for over 20 years. Her problems came on gradually over the years. Subsequently, while typing at the computer, her arms and hands would go numb and tingle. Hand weakness at times made it difficult to grasp small objects or perform other manual tasks. She also complained of neck and right shoulder pain from repetitive lifting of the phone to her ear and writing. Stephanie fixed the incorrect ergonomics in her office, used a night splint, and was taking a B-complex vitamin, but her condition worsened. So she went to a neurologist to get some answers.

Stephanie’s neurologist ordered an EMG/NCV (electromyography and nerve conduction velocity tests are electrodiagnostic tests that measure the electrical activity of muscles and nerves). And she tested positive for carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists. Afterward, he also gave her a cortisone shot to her wrists which wasn’t successful. She came to see me because she didn’t want surgery if possible.

The x-rays taken in my office showed moderate osteoarthritis in her cervical (neck) and thoracic (mid back) spine. This is the “wear and tear” type of arthritis when the bones rub against one another causing pain, stiffness, inflammation, disc degeneration and bone spurs (also known as osteophytes) which can “pinch” surrounding nerves. Upon examination, I found her arm and hand pain/ numbness was coming from the entrapment (pressed or squeezing) of the median nerve at several levels: the carpal tunnel (passageway of ligament and bones) at her wrists, pronator teres muscles in her forearms, and her right shoulder at the pectoralis minor muscle and surrounding fascia (thin casing of connective tissue).

Stephanie’s chiropractic treatment for peripheral neuropathy in the arm and hand started at 3 times a week for 2 weeks and then 1 time a week for 2 months. Firstly, her treatments included chiropractic adjustment/ manipulation to her right shoulder, both wrists, hands, cervical (neck) and thoracic (mid back) spine. Secondly, soft tissue therapy (myofascial release, pressure point and various relaxation procedures) at the entrapment sites of the median nerve in each arm was given. Thirdly, modalities (cold/heat therapy and electric muscle stimulation) were administered. Finally, exercises for stretching, strenghening, and better posture were recommended.

Stephanie started feeling better gradually in her neck, mid back and right shoulder. Moreover, Stephanie got relief and function back in her wrists and hands without surgery!

Meiri Chiropractic in West Palm Beach offers chiropractic treatment for peripheral neuropathy in the arm and hand. Dr. Natalie Meiri will examine, diagnose and determine the best course of treatment for you. Call us at 561-253-8984 in West Palm Beach to schedule an appointment at our chiropractic clinic and start getting the relief you need.

Meiri Chiropractic

5601 Corporate Way, Ste. 102

West Palm Beach, FL 33407

561-253-8984

Apr

From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s Clinical Pearl Stories: Chiropractic Adjustments for Foot Pain from Metatarsalgia This was a 45 year old patient who had a chief complaint of pain on the bottom of the foot, specifically at the sole. To be HIPAA compliant, I will call her Beatrice instead of her real name. Beatrice had […]

Apr

From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s Clinical Pearl Stories: Computer and Video Game Injuries in Kids: Chiropractic Care is Effective This is my clinical pearl story about Computer and Video Game Injuries in Kids: Chiropractic Care is Effective. Arnold was a 10 year old child who liked playing video games and spent many hours on […]

Apr

Do you have pain, weakness, and paresthesia (tingling, numbness or “pins and needles”) in your arm/forearm (below the elbow)? You may have dull, sore achiness in the extensor muscles (muscles that extend wrist/hand) below your elbow. The pain may be more prominent at night and after use. These are all symptoms of Radial Neuropathy/Entrapment […]

Apr

From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s Clinical Pearl Stories: Chiropractic Care for Cervical Radiculopathy This was a 68 year old patient who had neck and left hand numbness and pain. To be HIPAA compliant, I will call him Wallace instead of his real name. Wallace had treated with another chiropractor prior to seeing me. He had […]

Mar

Do you have Paresthesia (tingling, numbness or “pins and needles”) in your shoulder or arm (above the elbow)? Also, do you have weakness in your arm? You may have limitation of motion of your triceps muscle? These are all symptoms of Radial Neuropathy/Entrapment above the elbow. Read on to learn about Shoulder and Arm […]

Mar

Do you have pain and tenderness around your patellar tendon or lower part of the patella (kneecap)? It may be described as a burning pain in the knee with use or after prolonged sitting with the knee flexed. Perhaps jumping, running or walking may be difficult due to the pain? Additionally, you may have […]

Mar

Do you have persistent pain, burning, aching, or numbness in the back side of your leg, ankle, or foot? These are all symptoms of Sural Neuropathy. Read on to learn about Ankle and Foot Pain Due to Sural Neuropathy: Chiropractic Can Help. Anatomy of the Sural Nerve The […]

Mar

If you have knee pain from Pes Anserinus Bursitis, Chiropractic can provide relief! This post is about Knee Bursitis and Chiropractic Treatment: Pes Anserinus Bursitis. What is bursitis? Bursae are fluid-filled, sac like cavities. Bursae are located where muscles and tendons move over bony joint areas. They reduce friction caused by muscles and […]