by Franco Ponti

Created on: April 17, 2008

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is, in non-medical terms, a condition that affects the median (or main) nerve which runs down the center of your wrist through a small opening called the carpal tunnel ("carpal" is the Latin word for "wrist".) This opening is surrounded by eight "U" shaped bones and enclosed by a thick, fibrous piece of tissue called a ligament, giving this area the appearance of a hole or tunnel - thus, its name. When pressure builds on the median nerve within this tunnel, it causes the condition referred to as CTS.

Let's take a moment to further describe the anatomical function of this fascinating nerve. Its outer core carries the sense of touch from your fingers to the brain. When you feel that tingling sensation in your thumb, middle, or ring fingers, it's the nerve's way of letting you know that its comfort zone has been compromised. As the pressure continues to build, the outer layer begins to press on the inner core. It's this core that carries information from the brain to the hand related to the movement of your fingers. You know; like when you think, "Let me grab that glass of water" - the brain sends its signal to the muscles in your hand through the median nerve's inner core. Once it gets there, the muscle fibers jump into action and your fingers move to grasp the glass. Now, if the core is being pressed upon or blocked, that exchange of movement information can't get through to the hand. The results are a weakening of the hand muscles affecting your grip and overall tactile strength. It's similar to stepping on a garden hose; the more pressure you put on it, the less water gets through because the pressure is lessened. This loss of strength is the second and most critical phase of CTS. If you've reached a point where your strength or grip is being affected, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. The condition could lead to surgery. In some critical cases, the condition could become permanent.

Any variety of factors can cause increased pressure within the carpal tunnel. Age, fractures in and around the wrist, or even fluid retention can be some of the more common causes. However, the one underlying fact that most doctors agree upon is this: Carpal Tunnel is caused by pressure on the nerve in the wrist for prolonged periods of time.

Can CTS be avoided? By all means - all it takes is a little common sense and some dogged determination on your part. Since this condition is caused by pressure brought to bear on the median nerve, you

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