Hand and Wrist Pain
Understanding Hand and Wrist Pain: A Biomechanical Perspective
The hand and wrist are remarkably intricate structures, enabling both strength and precision for countless tasks. Their complex design allows for a wide range of movement, but also makes them highly susceptible to dysfunction and injury. While hand and wrist pain is often attributed to localized causes, a deeper biomechanical perspective sometimes reveal that these issues stem from broader dysfunctions within the body’s interconnected systems. A holistic approach to recovery must consider not just the wrist itself, but the shoulder, myofascial network, and even the core.
The Biomechanics of the Hand and Wrist
The wrist, composed of eight carpal bones, serves as a dynamic link between the forearm and hand, enabling flexion, extension, and rotational movements through the coordinated function of its muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Extending from this hinge-like structure, the hand—with its 27 bones and intricate tendon network—works in harmony with the wrist to facilitate grip strength, dexterity, and fine motor skills.
However, as part of a kinetic chain, the hand and wrist rely on support from the shoulders and the broader myofascial network. Any dysfunction within these regions can alter force distribution, leading to strain and pain in the wrist and hand. For example, a lack of scapular stability or overuse of the forearm muscles can create compensatory patterns that affect the wrist’s function.
Recurrent Injuries and the Importance of Systemic Assessment
Recurrent hand and wrist injuries, such as repetitive strain injuries or tendonitis, often point to dysfunctions beyond the immediate area of pain. For example:
Poor scapular control or shoulder instability can affect arm mechanics, placing undue stress on the wrist during gripping or lifting tasks.
Tightness in the forearm flexors, combined with weak stabilizing muscles, can exacerbate conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
Core weakness can reduce overall force transfer efficiency, forcing the wrist and hand to compensate during dynamic movements.
Without addressing these systemic contributors, treatment may provide only temporary relief. A thorough assessment of the shoulders, myofascial slings, and even the posture of the spine is essential to uncover and resolve the root causes of hand and wrist pain.
Chiropractic Care for Hand and Wrist Pain
Function-based chiropractic care provides a comprehensive approach to managing hand and wrist pain. Specific adjustments to the wrist and carpal bones can improve joint mobility, reducing localized strain. These adjustments are complemented by soft tissue techniques that address tension in overworked forearm muscles and enhance the function of stabilizers.
For individuals with arthritic conditions, chiropractic care can play a supportive role by improving joint function and mitigating stiffness. Gentle adjustments, combined with soft tissue work, may alleviate discomfort and enhance the range of motion, supporting overall joint health in both the wrist and hand.
Critically, chiropractic care also evaluates and addresses dysfunctions in the shoulder and myofascial network. Releasing restrictions in the shoulder girdle and activating stabilizing muscles in the core and scapular region promotes better force distribution along the arm, reducing compensatory patterns in the wrist.
By taking a systemic approach, chiropractic care not only alleviates current pain but also builds resilience, ensuring long-term improvement in hand and wrist function.
Preventing Hand and Wrist Pain through Biomechanics
Preventing hand and wrist pain requires fostering balance and alignment across the entire kinetic chain. Strengthening exercises targeting the forearm muscles, combined with scapular stabilization drills, ensure better coordination between the shoulder and wrist.
Stretching tight forearm muscles and addressing shoulder mobility further enhances the function of the myofascial network. Proper ergonomics during repetitive tasks, along with core stabilization exercises, minimizes the risk of overload and injury.
Hand and Wrist related Conditions
Fall on outstretched hand "FOOSH" often causes a carpal bone to fracture. depending on age and severity this requires assessment soon after the incident.
Osteoarthritis often occurs in the joints in the thumbs in the older population and can become quite achy doing certain activities.
Inflammatory arthritis occurs in multiple joints in both hands and a nutritional assessment would be of significant value in helping to reduce the inflammation.
Carpal tunnel is the area the nerves travel through to get to the hand. Fascial tightness over this area leads to nerve entrapement.
Thanks to Ed's professional and holistic approach I am finally on the road to recovery after several years of pain and discomfort.