Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and wrist. It can affect your ability to grip, type, work, exercise and carry out everyday activities.
Symptoms often develop gradually and may become more noticeable during repetitive activities or at night. Chiropractic care can help manage carpal tunnel syndrome by addressing contributing factors around the wrist, forearm, elbow and upper body, and supporting better movement and function.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Repetitive hand and wrist movements, prolonged computer use, gripping activities and positions that keep the wrist bent for extended periods can all contribute to increased pressure around the nerve.
Reduced mobility, muscle tension and changes in movement throughout the wrist, forearm, elbow and upper body may also contribute to symptoms. Certain health conditions, injuries and hormonal changes can increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
- Pain or discomfort in the wrist or hand
- Pins and needles, particularly in the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Weakness or difficulty gripping objects
- Symptoms that become worse at night
- Discomfort during typing, gripping or repetitive activities
- Pain or tingling that can extend into the forearm
Treatment options
Chiropractic care can be an effective option for managing symptoms when musculoskeletal factors are contributing to discomfort and restricted movement. Treatment may include manual therapy, targeted exercises and advice on posture, workstation setup and everyday movement.
Your chiropractor will assess your wrist, hand, forearm, elbow and surrounding areas to identify factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. A personalised treatment plan can then be developed to reduce discomfort, improve movement and support better function.
Can chiropractic care help with carpal tunnel syndrome?
Chiropractic care can help manage some symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome by addressing contributing factors such as restricted movement, muscle tension and repetitive strain throughout the wrist, forearm and upper body. Manual therapy and targeted exercises may help improve mobility, strength and function, while advice on ergonomics and activity modification can help reduce stress on the wrist.
If wrist or hand pain, numbness or tingling is affecting your daily activities, a chiropractic assessment can help identify whether movement or musculoskeletal factors may be contributing to your symptoms, and provide a personalised approach to getting you feeling and moving better again.