How does Dr. Cate treat carpal tunnel syndrome?
First, it is important to determine if the patient has Carpal Tunnel Syndrome vs. a pinched nerve in the neck, shoulder or elbow. The symptoms from any of these areas can be very similar. Dr. Cate has discovered that approximately 50% of patients diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are misdiagnosed. These patients typically suffer from “Double Crush Syndrome”, which is a symptom similar to what Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients experience. However, “Double Crush Syndrome” is caused by a neck condition or injury. Spinal manipulation is a must for the patient suffering from this. To diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome correctly, an E.M.G (nerve conduction study) is performed. Mild to moderate cases have a good prognosis, with conservative care. Severe cases are not so lucky and usually require surgery. The Carpal Tunnel is formed by bones in the wrist. The median nerve, tendons, and blood vessels pass through this opening. If one or more of the bones “collapse,” inflammation, nerve pressure,
