Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist, such as typing.  When the wrist is poorly positioned, there isn’t enough space for the median nerve to travel to the hand.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by pressure exerted on the median nerve at the point where it passes through the wrist.  The median nerve supplies sensation to the thumb-side of the ring finger.  It also supplies movement to part of the hand. The nerve enters the hand between the wrist bones (called the carpal bones) and the tough membrane that holds the bones together (the transverse carpal ligament).  This space is called the carpal tunnel.  Since the passageway is rigid, any swelling in this area can cause compression of the nerve (this is also called entrapment of the nerve).    

Often, when there is a misalignment of one or more of the spinal bones in the neck, the brain is not able to send a strong, steady nerve current to the arm and hand. This imperfect nerve flow can cause an inflammation or swelling of the median nerve, which is then easily irritated within the wrist by repetitive movement. The result is the numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

While there is little agreement in the medical community about the causes of Carpal Tunnel, there is building evidence that chiropractic care can help. Through gentle manipulation, chiropractic can realign the spinal bones in the neck, the shoulder, the elbow and the wrist, relieving the pressure on the nerves, allowing strong nerve current to flow from the brain.

Chiropractic Conditions