​Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and arm of the affected individual. It happens when the median nerve gets compressed as it travels through the wrist. The painful feeling may also result in a reduction of grip strength and hand function.
Some risk factors for CTS, include obesity, monotonous wrist activity, pregnancy, genetic heredity and rheumatoid inflammation. An estimated 4%-5% of people suffer from CTS worldwide with the most susceptible population being elderly individuals aged between 40 and 60 years.  CTS is more prevalent among women compared to men.
The management of CTS depends on the severity. In most circumstances, a trial of conventional treatment is encouraged on patients. This would include physical therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, corticosteroids and surgery if needed.
Chiropractic is also a form of conventional treatment that can also be helpful for CTS. A study in 2019 looked at the management of CTS with multimodal therapy including a combination of manipulation of the cervical spine and wrist. 13 Carpal Tunnel cases were confirmed by electrodiagnostic tests and were treated with nonsurgical conservative care. Outcomes were tracked over 10 weeks using the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire.
This study suggests that a multimodal conservative care for CTS, including a combination of cervical and wrist manipulation, provided favorable outcomes. However, due to the study being limited, there needs to be further research to delineate the best conservative care for CTS.
 
Reference:

1. Genova A, Dix O, Saefan A, et al. (March 19, 2020) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Review of Literature. Cureus 12(3): e7333. doi:10.7759/cureus.7333
2. Taylor, D. . (2019). MANAGEMENT OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME WITH CONSERVATIVE MULTIMODAL THERAPY: A PROSPECTIVE CASE SERIES OF OUTCOMES WITH CONCURRENT WRIST AND CERVICAL MANIPULATION. Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic, 2(1), 123–130. Retrieved from https://journal.parker.edu/index.php/jcc/article/view/80

​A lot of people seek chiropractic care for a multitude of reasons. An important time to consider chiropractic is when you or your partner falls pregnant. Whether you have symptoms to be addressed or want to maintain general wellness, chiropractic has been shown to help pregnant women feel better.
 
People often seek chiropractic only when they are in “pain” but is important to stray from this mindset and come to a wellness-based standpoint, especially in pregnancy. It can manage symptoms such as sciatica, low back pain and tension, round ligament discomfort, nausea, pelvic alignment, the labour process and preventing postpartum pain. It can also help you maintain a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy.
 
Research shows that women who receive regular chiropractic care during pregnancy have 25%-31% shorter labour times. It is believed this is because of better alignment in the pelvic region which in turn decreased intrauterine constraint and allows the baby to pass through with more ease. Not to mention the effect chiropractic care has on the nervous system as a whole, potentially making mum and baby calmer.
 
 
 

• Borggren,C. L. (2006, December 7). Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of theliterature
  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2647084/
• Chiropracticcare during pregnancy. (2015, July)
  http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/chiropractic-care-during-pregnancy/
• Factsabout chiropractic. (n.d.)
  http://www.chiropractic.org/faq-chiro

 
 

​Many people have experienced the annoying feeling that the eyelid is twitching. Eyelid myokymia is described as continuous and fine contractions that affect the lower eyelid mainly. The causes of this condition are not well known. It usually occurs in healthy persons and in studies is shown to be precipitated by fatigue, anxiety, stress, exercise, and caffeine consumption. (1). Female gender and cold weather are risk factors for chronic eyelid myokymia. (3)
 
The feeling is described as gentle, constant, rippling contractions that spread through the affected muscle. The orbicularis oculi is the most commonly affected muscle. These contractions are self-limited, periodic, and lasting seconds to hours. Occasionally, the contractions become chronic and continue for several days or even a few weeks before resolving (2). In rare cases, the same side of upper and lower eyelids involvement can occur together. (2)
 
There can be other rare disorders that can cause this issue. A medical appointment is necessary if the condition persists more than a few weeks or if other symptoms appear such as dropping , swelling or twitching in other areas, or loss of control of the muscle (1). This would require a complete examination.
 
How to help this condition. Rest, decrease or elimination of risk factors, such as alcohol drinking, smoking, and caffeine intake are effective ways to manage eyelid myokymia. In case of persistent myokymia for more than three months, more interventions may be necessary. (4)
 
From a biochemical perspective B2, B3, Manganese and Zinc helps break down Acetylcholine that affects muscle contraction. This also may help manage eye twitching.
 
 
 
 
References

1. Jafer Chardoub AA, Patel BC. Eyelid Myokymia. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560595/
2. Khalkhali M. Topiramate-Induced Persistent Eyelid Myokymia. Case Rep Psychiatry. 2016;2016:7901085.
3. Moshirfar M, Somani SN, Shmunes KM, Ronquillo YC. Will Tonic Water Stop My Eyelid Twitching? Clin Ophthalmol. 2020;14:689-691.
4. Banik R, Miller NR. Chronic myokymia limited to the eyelid is a benign condition. J Neuroophthalmol. 2004 Dec;24(4):290-2.