Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Explained

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the result of irritation or pressure on the median nerve at the wrist.

Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome include female gender, repetitive movement tasks, fluid retention (pregnancy), and obesity.

The anatomical structure of the carpal tunnel is made up of your carpal bones (wrist bones), wrist muscle tendons, transverse carpal ligament, and the traversing median nerve. That’s a lot going on in a somewhat tight area.

I like to think of the transverse carpal ligament as an athlete with tape around their wrist that is too tight. The best way to get the tape to loosen is to move it (chiropractic/ physical therapy) or cut it (surgical intervention).

Carpal tunnel release surgeries are incredibly common and as you may expect from my athletic tape analogy, the orthopedic surgeon takes the pressure off the median nerve by cutting the transverse carpal ligament.

Our sports chiropractic office treats carpal tunnel syndrome using various soft tissues mobilization techniques, at-home and in-office exercises, and chiropractic adjustments to the spine and extremities.

Key Findings of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand most commonly thumb, index, and middle finger
Flick sign
A hand that “falls asleep”

OMNE Chiropractic approach to carpal tunnel syndrome
Rule out the neck or cervical spine
Neurodynamic testing – how does your nerve respond to stretch and movement
Work habits and stressors
Neurological evaluation