Wrist Pain: Causes and Treatments and How Chiropractors can Help
Understanding Wrist Pain
What is Wrist Pain?
Wrist pain is a discomfort or aching sensation in the wrist area that can vary in severity and may affect daily activities. It is a common complaint and can be caused by various underlying factors including wrist sprain, carpal tunnel syndrome, an accident-related wrist injury, a ganglion cyst, wrist tendonitis, repetitive stress, nerve impingement, referred pain and more.
Definition and Overview of Common Symptoms
Wrist pain can manifest as a dull ache, sharp pain, or throbbing sensation in the wrist joint. It can occur suddenly due to injury or develop gradually over time.
Common symptoms of wrist pain include swelling, stiffness, limited range of motion, loss of strength, and difficulty gripping objects. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of Wrist Pain
Wrist pain can have multiple causes, including:
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Activities that involve repetitive wrist movements, such as typing or playing sports, can lead to overuse injuries and wrist pain.
Trauma and Fractures
Accidents or falls can result in wrist fractures or sprains, leading to acute pain and discomfort.
Arthritis and Joint Conditions
Arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the wrist joint and cause chronic pain and inflammation.
Nerve Compression
Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome involve the compression of nerves in the wrist, leading to pain and numbness.
Referred Pain
Referred pain can develop at the C6-C7 cervical vertebra level and refer to the wrist and hand area. Referred means that that root cause is not located in the affected area but elsewhere, even though it’s felt sharply in a specific area.
To achieve effective pain relief from referred pain, Chiropractors have to perform an extensive examination and diagnosis to accurately pinpoint how the referred pain is being generated.
Treatment Options for Wrist Pain
Conventional Treatments
The NHS recommends the following care for wrist pain related injuries:
- Rest your wrist whenever possible
- Apply an ice pack or a cold compress wrapped in a towel for about 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
- Perform gentle exercises to keep your hands and wrists moving, helping to alleviate pain and stiffness
- Consider taking paracetamol to relieve pain, following the recommended dosage
- Remove any jewelry if your hand appears swollen
- Reduce or avoid activities that worsen the pain, such as typing, using vibrating tools, or playing instruments
- Use a wrist splint, particularly during nighttime, to support your wrist and alleviate pain (available at most pharmacies and supermarkets)
- Explore the use of gadgets or tools to make challenging or painful tasks easier, like using jar openers or utensils for chopping vegetables
- Consider obtaining a soft pad to provide wrist support while typing
Several conventional treatment options are available for managing wrist pain, including:
Rest and Immobilization
Resting the wrist and using splints or braces can help alleviate pain and promote healing.
Pain Management
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain relievers can provide temporary relief from wrist pain. We recommend using non-medicated topical creams where possible.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy exercises and modalities can improve wrist strength and flexibility.
Surgical Interventions
In severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to address structural issues causing wrist pain.
Alternative Therapies
In addition to conventional treatments, alternative therapies can also be effective in managing wrist pain.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, offering non-invasive approaches to alleviate wrist pain.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists provide customized strategies for managing pain and regaining functional use of the wrist.
Home Remedies
Home remedies such as hot/cold therapy, infrared lamps, and wrist exercises can complement other treatments.
Chiropractic Care for Wrist Pain
How Chiropractors Can Help
Chiropractors can play a significant role in the management of wrist pain. They use various techniques to address wrist pain effectively.
Chiropractic Techniques for Wrist Pain
Chiropractors may use spinal adjustments, joint mobilization, and soft tissue therapies to alleviate wrist pain.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care focuses on the root causes of wrist pain, promoting long-term relief and improved wrist function.
Initial Assessment
Chiropractors will conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of wrist pain and develop a personalized treatment plan. At Healing Hands Chiropractic we provide one of the UK’s most thorough Chiropractic assessments available today, to help establish a clear root cause diagnosis.
Treatment Plan
Chiropractors will develop a treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs, which may include a series of sessions. At Healing Hands Chiropractic, the treatment plan is formulated based on the results, measurements, scans and imaging recorded during the initial assessment and consultation. This ensures safe and effective care that delivers measurable results.
Chiropractic Treatment Plans Explained
Chiropractic treatment plans are comprehensive, personalized approaches designed to address various health concerns and promote overall well-being. These plans typically begin with a thorough assessment, including a detailed medical history and physical examination, to identify the underlying causes of the individual’s symptoms or condition.
Based on the assessment, chiropractors develop tailored treatment plans that may involve a combination of techniques and modalities. These can include spinal adjustments, joint mobilizations, soft tissue therapies (such as massage or myofascial release), rehabilitative exercises, and lifestyle recommendations.
The primary goal of chiropractic treatment plans is to restore optimal alignment, improve functionality, alleviate pain, and enhance the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Chiropractors take a holistic approach, focusing not just on symptom relief but also on addressing the root causes of the problem to achieve long-term results.
Treatment plans are typically divided into specific phases, including the initial acute phase to provide pain relief, followed by corrective and rehabilitative phases. Progress is closely monitored, and adjustments to the treatment plan are made as necessary to ensure optimal outcomes.
Education and patient involvement are crucial components of chiropractic treatment plans. Chiropractors often provide guidance on posture, ergonomics, exercise, nutrition, and self-care practices to empower patients with the knowledge and tools to support their healing journey.
Ultimately, chiropractic treatment plans aim to improve the body’s overall function, enhance mobility, and promote overall health and wellness using natural, non-invasive approaches. By addressing the underlying causes of discomfort and imbalances, chiropractors help patients achieve their health goals and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Start your healing Journey at Healing Hands Chiropractic
Are you ready to say goodbye to wrist pain and regain your quality of life? Our comprehensive wrist-related article provides valuable insights and practical tips to help you manage and treat wrist discomfort. Discover the secrets to wrist health and find relief today. Don’t let wrist pain hold you back – empower yourself with the knowledge to take control of your well-being and start your healing journey ad Healing Hands Chiropractic today by contacting:
Our 24/7 helpline at 020 8948 9102 or
book your appointment online. Available 24/7
Visit us in person at 26 Richmond Hill, Richmond, TW10 6QX, Southwest London – UK.
Take the first step towards a pain-free future and regain optimal wrist health.