Chiropractic Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

​For patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), chiropractic care may offer significant benefits, including pain reduction, as well as increased range of motion and finger sensation.1

​Because carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the median nerve, chiropractic care can focus on areas of the musculoskeletal system that may be contributing to nerve irritation or symptoms.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the bones at the base of the hand. The median nerve runs through this tunnel, as do the tendons which allow your fingers to bend. This nerve provides sensation to most of the fingers and controls the muscles at the base of the thumb.

When pressure increases within the carpal tunnel, the median nerve can become compressed. The resulting pressure on the nerve may cause numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the hand and wrist, sometimes extending up the arm.​

Some possible causes include:

• Injury to the wrist, including sprains or fractures
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Repetitive injury (such as from using power tools or typing)
• Fluid retention​

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​If left untreated, symptoms become more severe, and grip strength is affected. Sufferers feel that their fingers are swollen, and they may be unable to tell hot from cold. The goal of carpal tunnel treatment is to relieve the pressure on the median nerve.
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What Treatment Method Does a Chiropractor Use for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

By gently adjusting the joints of the arm and wrist, as well as evaluating the shoulders, neck, and spine, Dr. Matt works to improve joint mobility and address musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to a patient's symptoms. Chiropractic care may help:​

• Improve mobility in the wrist, arm, shoulder, neck, and spine
• Reduce muscle and joint tension that may contribute to nerve irritation
• Address areas of nerve irritation that may be contributing to symptoms
• Improve function and reduce pain, numbness, or tingling
• Provide supportive care before or after other treatment when appropriate

Restoring and maintaining healthy spinal alignment to support the nervous system is one of the primary benefits of regular chiropractic care, and it can be especially beneficial when symptoms involve nerve irritation or compression. The nerves that contribute to the median nerve originate from the lower cervical and upper thoracic region of the spine.

​We find that many people suffering from carpal tunnel symptoms experience significant relief from traditional chiropractic care focused on the neck and spine. You may also have a “Double Crush Syndrome,” where there are multiple areas of nerve irritation or compression, often involving both the neck and wrist. Our examination and care will always look at the whole person to ensure you are receiving the best possible care.

Seeking care early may help address carpal tunnel symptoms before they become more severe or begin to significantly affect strength and function.

Hands Down, the Most Holistic Treatment for CTS

Your treatment options at McCann Family Chiropractic go beyond carpal tunnel chiropractic adjustments to include:

• Lifestyle guidance to support whole-body health and healing
• Nutritional and supplementation guidance to provide important antioxidants, electrolytes, and minerals that support overall health and healthy inflammatory processes
• Recommendations for B vitamins and other nutrients that support healthy nerve function and recovery

Helping you and your loved ones heal from injury and achieve optimal health long into the future is our focus and our passion at McCann Family Chiropractic. You hold the solution in the palm of your hand, so schedule a visit today!

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Sources:
1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1556370714000935
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