Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes tingling, numbness, and pain in the wrist and hand. If you suffer from symptoms like reduced grip strength or waking up at night with numb fingers, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. Our chiropractor at City Line Chiropractic in Bala Cynwyd would like to answer some common questions about this nerve condition to help you find relief.

What Are the Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome arises when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in your wrist, gets compressed or irritated. This compression causes swelling and nerve damage over time. Some common causes include:

- Repeated hand and wrist motions from daily activities or jobs like typing, assembly work, or playing an instrument

- Previous injuries like fractures or sprains that cause swelling or scarring in the wrist

- Health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid issues

- Fluid retention during pregnancy

Some people also have carpal tunnels that are smaller or differently shaped, putting additional pressure on the median nerve. Heredity can also play a role in carpal tunnel syndrome.

What Are the Most Common Symptoms?

Many people first notice carpal tunnel symptoms at night or after waking up. You may experience:

- Tingling, numbness, or pain in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and ring finger

- Reduced sensitivity to touch in the fingers

- Weak grip strength

- Clumsiness or loss of coordination in the hand

During the day, symptoms often worsen with repetitive hand motions like typing on a keyboard, holding a phone, gripping tools, or doing assembly work. As carpal tunnel syndrome progresses, you may eventually have constant numbness, tingling, and weakness in your hand and fingers. A neuropathy chiropractor can help.

What Treatments Can Help Relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Our chiropractor at City Line Chiropractic offers customized, drug-free treatments to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome. Options may include:

- Wrist splinting during sleep to limit flexion

- Chiropractic adjustments to restore mobility to the wrist joint

- Soft tissue massage and trigger point therapy

- Stretching exercises for the wrists and fingers

- Ultrasound therapy to reduce inflammation

- Summus Light Laser therapy to stimulate nerve regeneration

Surgery to release the ligament pressing on the median nerve may be considered for severe or long-standing cases that do not respond sufficiently to conservative treatment.

Contact a Chiropractor Near You

Don’t live with carpal tunnel pain and numbness. At City Line Chiropractic in Bala Cynwyd, we offer proven options to relieve symptoms without drugs or surgery. Call us today at (610) 617-7300 to start feeling better.