Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Check Your Bed for Healthy Sleep

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a progressively disabling and painful condition of the hand.
The carpal "tunnel", located in the
wrist, is made by the carpal bones

Frequently, the first complaint is of attacks of painful tingling in the first three fingers, the thumb and the palm, usually occurring at night. Aching may accompany the numbness and extend up the arm.

and ligament in your hand. The carpal tunnel is the passage for the median nerve, which comes down

Patients may detect changes in sensation
and power to squeeze things. In late cases,
there may be wasting of the

If your bed is older then eight to ten years, use the bed checklist below to determine if it’s ready for retirement:

the arm, through the wrist, then

hand and finger muscles innervated by the

Yes

No

branches in the hand, supplying the thumb, forefinger, middle finger, and

median nerve. In caring for CTS, your doctor
of chiropractic will first examine the

O

O

_____________________

_________________________

2. Are the sagging spots where you usually lie or round the edges?

O

O

Table 1

Occupations and Activities Associated
With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

3. Does the foundation (boxspring) have an uneven
or sagging surface?

O

O

Aircraft Assembly
Automobile Assembly
Crocheting/knitting
Electronic Assembly
Fabric cutting/sewing
Metal Fabricating

Fruit packing
Gardening
Housekeeping
Meat processing
Musicians

Packaging
Postal workers
Textile workers
Typing
Using power tools
Word-processing

4. Is the mattress comfortable
in some places but not in others?

O

O

^{_______________________________________}
half the ring finger with nerves. Repetitive motions, such as those required on many
jobs, cause the finger tendons to rub on

^{_______________________________________}
wrist area for deformities, swelling,
fixation or movement dysfunction
of the carpal bones. If a movement

5. When you turn over, do you hear creaks, crunches, or other suspicious noises?

O

O

the structures forming the carpal tunnel.
This constant rubbing can cause the
tendons to swell, eventually putting
pressure on the median nerve inside

dysfunction is detected in the wrist,
your Chiropractor may adjust the
carpal bones to relieve pressure
on the median nerve.

6. When you roll around, does the bed wobble or sway?

O

O

the carpal tunnel. Vibration and exposure
to heat/cold can also be factors. Certain diseases, acute trauma, pregnancy, and
oral contraceptive use all may contribute

Since the median nerve originates
in the neck, your chiropractor
may also examine the neck area
and may adjust the neck and

7. Are you and your partner rolling together without meaning to?

O

O

to the likelihood of developing CTS. CTS
affect women two to five times more
frequently than men.

shoulder areas if necessary.

8.Are you fighting each other for enough space to get comfortable?

O

O

Give yourself one point for every "yes." If you scored 7-8 points, your old mattress and boxspring are definitely ready for retirement.