A carpal tunnel diagnosis doesn't mean you are out of options

Whether we realize it or not, many of us perform repetitive motions at our jobs day after day, sometimes doing the exact same activity -- typing, answering phones, driving, drilling, hammering, etc. -- for years on end.

While most of us experience no real consequences from this reality-- outside of perhaps a little bit of boredom -- others are not so lucky.

Indeed, everyone from office workers and nurses to truck drivers and machinists may someday be diagnosed with a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that can cause both weakness and loss of feeling in the hands, making it virtually impossible to pick up or even grasp objects.

In general, carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the pinching or compression of the median nerve, which runs from the forearm down through the wrist via a narrow passage known as the carpal tunnel.

With the exception of the little finger, the median nerve is responsible for the sensation in a person's fingers and thumb on the palm side, and generates nerve signals to move the muscles situated around the base of the thumb.

For most people, carpal tunnel syndrome starts out as numbness or tingling in the hands that can be rectified by a simple shaking of the hands. However, as the condition worsens a person may discover that this technique no longer works and begin to experience the symptoms outlined above.

The good news is that there are viable treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome from splints and pain medications to corticosteroid injections and even surgery, such that people diagnosed with the condition can lead a highly productive life.

However, it's important to understand that these options may not work for everyone, such that the carpal tunnel becomes truly debilitating in that it not only prevents them from working, but affects their personal life as well.

In these difficult scenarios, it's crucial for people to understand that they may be able to secure Social Security disability benefits to help make ends meet. Our highly skilled and experienced attorneys can help guide you through the entire process of securing disability benefits, filing appeals, representing you in hearings and fighting to get the assistance you deserve.

Please visit our website to learn more about how we can help.