Carpal tunnel treatment

Available at Lake Forest, San Diego, and Spring Valley

Carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness, tingling or pain in the thumb and first fingers when the median nerve is squeezed as it passes through the wrist. Chiropractic care may help by checking the wrist, forearm and neck for every place the nerve is irritated, then using gentle adjustments, stretching, strengthening and workstation changes.

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More than a sore wrist

Carpal tunnel syndrome involves more than wrist discomfort. It often reflects changes in how nerves, joints and muscles work together. Many people worry that treatment will be uncomfortable or that surgery is the only option. In many cases conservative care can help, especially early.

Our chiropractors look for what is compressing the median nerve and support healthy movement of the wrist, arm, neck and upper body. If you are concerned about your symptoms, a careful evaluation can clarify what options suit you.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome

Eight small bones in your wrist form a U-shaped channel that holds several tendons and the median nerve. This channel is the carpal tunnel. The median nerve gives feeling to the palm side of your thumb, index and middle fingers and half of your ring finger.

When the nerve is compressed or irritated as it passes through this tunnel, the result is carpal tunnel syndrome.

Risk factors

Carpal tunnel syndrome can come from keeping the wrist bent for long periods or repeating wrist movements, such as scanning at a checkout, keyboard use, carpentry or assembly line work. Vibration and cold can aggravate it.

It is more common in the dominant hand but often affects both. Other risk factors include diabetes, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease and extra body weight. Fluid retention in pregnancy is also a common cause of carpal tunnel symptoms.

Symptoms

People commonly notice numbness, tingling or discomfort on the palm side of the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger. Pain can sometimes reach toward the elbow. Symptoms often start at night or as waking with numb hands, and can progress to a constant problem.

Gripping usually makes it worse, such as holding a book, driving or painting. Early on, shaking your hands out may relieve it. Your hands may feel tight or swollen, and in more severe cases the hand can become weak.

The neck connection

When the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, it is often irritated at a second or third place too. This is called double crush. Common partners are the neck, shoulder and forearm muscles.

That is why your exam looks at your symptoms, posture, neck, wrist and daily work habits, not just the wrist.

How we treat carpal tunnel symptoms

Care may include gentle adjustments of the neck and wrist, stretching, strengthening exercises and changes to your workstation. Regular follow-up visits track your progress so your plan can change as needed.

While it settles, avoid activities that bend the wrist back under load, such as push-ups, and notice that gripping bicycle handlebars may irritate it. Your chiropractor may suggest a splint that keeps your wrist in a neutral or slightly extended position at night.

Care that may be part of your plan

Your chiropractor recommends care after your exam. Some therapies are offered only at certain offices.

From the blog

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Carpal tunnel is treated at all 3 Greenlight offices.

Your questions,
answered

About carpal tunnel care at Greenlight.

What happens if carpal tunnel is not treated?

Long-standing compression can lead to lasting nerve damage and weakness in the hand. If you have constant numbness or your hand is getting weaker, have it checked soon. Your chiropractor will refer you to a medical doctor if your exam suggests you need one.

Can carpal tunnel symptoms come from the neck?

Yes. The nerves to the hand start in the neck, and irritation there can add to symptoms at the wrist. We check both.

Do I need surgery for carpal tunnel?

Many people try conservative care first. If your symptoms are severe or do not improve, your chiropractor will talk with you about seeing a specialist.

Will a wrist splint help?

A splint that keeps the wrist neutral or slightly extended at night can ease nighttime symptoms for some people. Your chiropractor can advise you.

Can workstation changes help?

Often, yes. Keeping your wrists neutral while typing, taking breaks and reducing repeated gripping lowers the strain on the nerve.