STEERING WHEEL INJURIES TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR CHIROPRACTOR

When we hear the words, “carpal tunnel syndrome” we immediately think of a repetitive movement injury at work. We think of someone who performs repetitive movements with their hands like a receptionist that sits at a desk all day typing at a computer or of a mail carrier who handles thousands of letters a day. We rarely think of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as a steering wheel injury to discuss with your chiropractor and as being an acute injury even though it is one of the most common steering wheel injuries in a car, truck or semi-truck accident. Whether the automobile accident is a rear-end collision or a front-end collision, the steering wheel can be deemed as a “blunt instrument” that can cause bodily injury. During a car, truck or semi-truck accident virtually every driver is holding onto the steering wheel, leaving their hands and wrist exposed to injury.

What exactly is carpal tunnel syndrome?

According to the Mayo Clinic, “The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of your hand.” “Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve.” “When the median nerve is compressed, the symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm.” “Usually the thumb, index, middle, or ring fingers are affected, but not your little finger. You might also feel a sensation like an electric shock in these fingers.” The sensation may radiate from your wrist up to your arm. These symptoms frequently occur while holding a cell phone, steering wheel or coffee cup, or may wake you up from sleep. Many people ‘shake out’ their hands to try to relieve their symptoms.

When to seek treatment from a chiropractor after a steering wheel injury?

In a study entitled, “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Motor Vehicle Accidents” by Ames, E.L. (1996), it was concluded that “Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome developed in 96 patients within two months after an automobile accident” (p.223).  If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome after a car, truck or semi-truck accident, seeking immediate conservative care from our chiropractors and physical rehabilitation therapy team at P.I. HELP Injury Clinics- The Auto Accident Chiropractors in San Antonio, TX and Salt Lake City (Murray), UT is indicated. Permanent nerve and muscle damage can occur without treatment so with our comprehensive car, truck or semi-truck crash injury treatment at P.I. HELP Injury Clinics,- The Auto Accident Chiropractors we take the time to assess each case individually and can make referrals to TOP surgeons in the area if your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are not resolving within a reasonable amount of time.

P.I. HELP Injury Clinics- The Auto Accident Chiropractors can Help with San Antonio and Salt Lake City Car Accident Injuries.

If you or a loved one have recently been in a minor or severe car, truck, or semi-truck accident and are considering seeing a chiropractor for a chiropractic assessment, adjustment, or for physical rehabilitation therapy please contact P.I. HELP Injury Clinics- The Auto Accident Chiropractors in San Antonio, TX and Salt Lake City (Murray), UT today. We have the experience that allows us to treat neck pain, whiplash, headaches, muscle stiffness, back pain, numbness and tingling, shoulder pain, wrist pain, and knee pain after a car, truck, or semi-truck accident. We can also refer you to a TOP trusted and experienced personal injury lawyer in the San Antonio, TX area or Salt Lake City, UT area including Murray, Holladay, West Valley City, South Jordan, West Jordan, Draper, Midvale, Taylorsville, and Kearns, UT. P.I. Help Injury Clinics are available to serve you as soon as today.

P.I. HELP Injury Clinics- The Auto Accident Chiropractor in San Antonio, TX

4423 NW Loop 410 Suite 203, San Antonio, TX 78229

Call us or send us a text at (210) 249-4949

P.I. HELP Injury Clinics- The Auto Accident Chiropractor in Salt Lake City (Murray), UT

154 E. Myrtle Ave. Suite 100, Murray, UT 84107

Call us or send us a text at (801) 210-5050

References:
1. Ames, E. L. (1996). Carpal tunnel syndrome and motor vehicle accidents. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 96(4), 223-226.