Carpal Tunnel Syndrome If you have/had it, who diagnosed it?

I went to the Doctor thursday because I had been having problems with pain and such in my hands(i knew what was wrong). The Dr. prescribed wrist braces and some pills to help with the flare up. After I left the clinic I stopped at the temp agency I work thru to make sure that this was not going to affect my job. They proceeded to basically tell me that my Dr. had no right to prescribe anything to me and said that I should have been refered to a orthopedic specialist. Everybody I know that has dealt with CTS has always just been diagnosed by a regular dr. not a specialist. So I am curious to see what everyones answers are.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an injury caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist, resulting in pain and numbness in the index and middle fingers and weakness of the thumb. The carpal tunnel receives its name from the eight bones in the wrist, called carpals, which form a "tunnel" through which the nerve leading to the hand extends.

Signs and Symptoms
Some easy-to-recognize signs and symptoms of CTS include the following.
Nighttime painful tingling in one or both hands, frequently causing sleep disturbance
Feeling of uselessness in the fingers
A sense that fingers are swollen even though little or no swelling is apparent
Daytime tingling in the hands, followed by a decreased ability to squeeze things
Loss of strength in the muscle at the base of the thumb, near the palm
Pain shooting from the hand up the arm as far as the shoulder

If you are experiencing symptoms of CTS, you should see your health care provider. He or she can help guide you in determining which treatment or combination of therapies will work best for you.

Your provider will perform a physical examination and some simple tests to determine if there is a loss of sensation or some weakness in your thumb or fingers. He or she may also perform more sophisticated diagnostic procedures ranging from a nerve conduction study to electromyography (EMG). X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to reveal the cause and the nature of the injury.

Your provider may put your wrist in a splint or brace to keep your wrist from bending, and to minimize or prevent pressure on the nerve. You'll probably need to wear the splint full-time for 3 - 4 weeks, then at night only.

You can help prevent CTS or alleviate symptoms by making some simple changes in your work and leisure habits.

Stretch or flex your arms and fingers before beginning work and at frequent intervals.
Alternate tasks to reduce the amount of repetitive movements.
Modify or change daily activities that put pressure on your wrists.
Modify your work environment. If you use a computer, have an adjustable keyboard table and chair, and a wrist rest.

Contrast hydrotherapy -- alternating hot- and cold-water applications -- may offer relief from CTS symptoms. This approach decreases inflammation, offers pain relief, and enhances healing. Immerse your wrists fully in hot water for 3 minutes, followed by 1 minute in cold water, and repeat three times. Do this two to three times daily.

treatment
Castor Oil Packs -- Apply castor oil to a cloth, loosely wrap around wrist, and then cover with Saran Wrap. Apply a heating pad for 1 hour, or without using a heating pad, sleep with the application on the wrist. Do this for four to five nights per week until improvement occurs

Most people's symptoms clear up within a few months with conventional treatment. If left untreated, CTS in advanced stages can become quite serious, involving a loss of sensation, muscle deterioration, and permanent loss of function.

i have suffered cts and have had both hands operated on, my mom and dad have also had it done. they had to have nerve conduction tests first to see if it was actually that causing the problem, i did not have the tests as i was a nurse working in the hospital and had my operation carried out by a collegue but you should be referred really.