Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and wrists.

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects millions of people around the world, most commonly women, the elderly, and people working in office and manual jobs which involve repetitive hand movements. It can be debilitating and usually won’t get better on its own.

Chiropractic treatment is an effective way to ease the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome, work out the underlying cause, and provide lasting relief.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the carpal tunnel - a passageway in the wrist - becomes narrower over time and puts pressure on the median nerve.

The median nerve runs from the neck down to the fingers and controls movement and sensation in the wrist, hand, and fingers.

People suffering with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling. This is typically felt in two or more fingers - often the thumb, index finger, and middle finger.

Carpal tunnel syndrome usually begins in the dominant hand, but can affect both.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? 

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed by the carpal tunnel becoming narrower over time. This is largely caused by a person’s lifestyle, but can also be genetic or triggered by an injury.

Some potential causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are:

  • Repetitive use of the hands and wrists - typing, sitting at a desk for long periods
  • An injury to the wrist - fractures, sprains, dislocations
  • Jobs which require using vibrating machinery for a long time
  • Health conditions - thyroid issues, arthritis, diabetes
  • Genetics
  • Nerve issues in the neck or spine

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are pain, tingling, and numbness in two or more fingers - typically the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. These symptoms are often worse at night or after not moving the hand and wrist for a prolonged time.

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

  • Pain in wrist, hands, and fingers
  • Tingling
  • A burning sensation
  • Numbness
  • Swelling
  • Weakness in the hand
  • Difficulty picking up small objects

Who Gets Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

While anyone can be affected by carpal tunnel syndrome, It’s more common in women. Experts aren’t entirely sure why this is but some have suggested it could be due to smaller wrists and hormonal changes.

People who work in jobs involving repetitive hand movements are particularly at risk.

Office workers typing for long periods and sitting at a desk puts the wrist in an unusual position and puts pressure on the carpal tunnel. Manual workers who use vibrating machinery are also prone to nerve damage in the wrist.

Older people may also be more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome because of underlying health conditions like thyroid issues, arthritis, and diabetes.

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The good news is that surgery is not required for most people with carpal tunnel syndrome and you can ease the pain in the short term using over-the-counter pain killers and keeping active.

Unfortunately, the condition is unlikely to go away on its own and your symptoms could get worse without treatment.

For long-term pain relief and recovery, chiropractic treatment is an effective and non-invasive way of alleviating pain and implementing strengthening exercises to stop it from returning.

Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Be Prevented?

Yes. A healthy lifestyle and maintaining proper movement in your hands and wrists will lower your chances of carpal tunnel syndrome.

You should:

  • Maintain good posture with your shoulders back and neck straight
  • Take regular breaks if you have a job requiring repetitive hand movements
  • Stretch and do strengthening exercises for your wrist

How Can Chiropractic Treatment Help With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Chiropractic treatment is a non-invasive therapy which focuses on the neck, spine, and joints.

Our chiropractors at Spinal Works apply gentle therapy to alleviate pain and relieve pressure in the carpal tunnel, including: 

  • Gentle manipulations of the affected area
  • Dry needling/trigger point therapy
  • Stretching and strengthening exercises
  • Spinal readjustments
  • Posture correction

The type of treatment you require will depend on the underlying cause of your carpal tunnel syndrome. 

We will carry out an assessment and look at your lifestyle factors to see what could be at the root of the issue and provide a personalised treatment plan to give you long-lasting relief. 

We also work to stop carpal tunnel syndrome from returning by equipping you with exercises that you can complete at home. 

Contact us today to book a consultation at our chiropractic clinic. You can call us on 07 4454 1859 or book online using the form on this page.

Get In Touch