What If I Choose To Live With My Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Not Have It Treated?

This is a question that Raleigh, North Carolina carpal tunnel specialist Johnny T. Nelson, MD thinks about a lot. He also spends a lot of time talking to patients about this question.

First, it is important to understand that carpal tunnel syndrome is not an emergency condition. It is not like a problem with your heart or lungs that can cause complete disability or even death. So living with carpal tunnel syndrome is an option. Before modern technology like carpal tunnel release using ultrasound guidance, every human being with carpal tunnel syndrome had to live there entire life with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Second, we do not have very much scientific information about what happens to patients who choose to live with their carpal tunnel syndrome. This is simply because no doctor or scientist has studied this in detail. Some scientific studies show that some patients improve over time while carpal tunnel symptoms worsen or become permanent and others.

But what we do know is that if you choose to live with carpal tunnel syndrome, you are taking a risk.

When the carpal tunnel nerve is pinched for a long time, it does not work properly. With a carpal tunnel release procedure, this pinching is relieved and the nerve is allowed to work properly again. If the nerve is pinched for a long time, the symptoms such as loss of feeling in the fingers, pain, and weakness can become permanent.

There is only so much pressure a nerve can take!

Some patients who choose to live with carpal tunnel learn to “live with it.” Raleigh, North Carolina carpal tunnel specialist Dr. Johnny T. Nelson, MD does not recommend this. While the carpal tunnel syndrome may feel like it is improving, what is actually happening is the human brain is learning to “tune out” the pain signals coming from the nerve. The patient may not experience much discomfort and pain, and may even feel like they are sleeping better again, but the feeling in their fingertips does not come back, and their thumb muscles grow very weak. As a result, these individuals are clumsy and frequently drop objects and have weak hands.

If you have carpal tunnel syndrome but do not have the time or resources to have it treated with a carpal tunnel release procedure, you should schedule a visit with Dr. Johnny T. Nelson, MD. There are other ways to treat your symptoms and help you to live a good life temporarily until you have the ability to treat your symptoms for good. Call 919-872-5296 today to schedule your visit!