Chiropractic Care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common nerve entrapment condition that causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. It occurs when the median nerve—running through the narrow carpal tunnel in the wrist—becomes compressed by surrounding tissues. While wrist splints and surgery are often recommended, chiropractic adjustments and soft-tissue therapies offer a gentle, drug-free alternative that addresses the root mechanical causes of CTS, and following treatment, many patients end up not needing surgery.
​
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
-
Symptoms: Tingling or burning in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger; hand weakness; “pins and needles” sensations that often worsen at night.
-
Causes: Repetitive wrist flexion/extension (typing, assembly-line work), inflammation from arthritis or fluid retention, and biomechanical issues in the neck and upper spine that increase nerve tension.
How Chiropractic Adjustments Help
-
Nerve Decompression: By gently realigning wrist bones and restoring normal joint motion, chiropractic adjustments relieve pressure on the median nerve at its entry point.
-
Spinal Connection: Misalignments in the cervical spine (neck) can create tension along the nerve roots that feed into the arm. Cervical adjustments restore proper joint mechanics, reducing nerve irritation upstream.
-
Soft-Tissue Mobilization: Techniques such as muscle-release, instrument-assisted soft-tissue work, and therapeutic ultrasound break up adhesions in wrist ligaments and tendons, improving glide and reducing inflammation.
-
Ergonomic Education: We’ll analyze your work or hobby setup and recommend posture, keyboard, and mouse adjustments to prevent recurrence.
What to Expect in Your Treatment Plan
-
Comprehensive Assessment: We’ll evaluate wrist range of motion, grip strength, reflexes, and perform orthopedic tests (e.g., Phalen’s, Tinel’s) to confirm CTS and rule out other conditions.
-
Targeted Adjustments: A series of gentle, hands-on mobilizations for the wrist, elbow, and neck to optimize nerve pathways and joint function.
-
Adjunct Therapies: Electric stimulation or ice massage to calm inflammation, plus rehabilitative exercises to strengthen wrist stabilizers.
-
Home-Care Strategies: Simple stretches, nerve-gliding exercises, and ergonomic recommendations to support your recovery between visits.
Benefits of Chiropractic for CTS
-
Drug-Free Relief: Reduce or eliminate reliance on anti-inflammatories and pain medications.
-
Faster Recovery: Addressing both local wrist mechanics and spinal alignment accelerates healing.
-
Long-Term Prevention: Strengthening and mobilizing tissues lowers the risk of future flare-ups.
-
Improved Function: As nerve pressure eases, grip strength and fine-motor skills return, making daily tasks and hobbies more comfortable.
Why Choose The Bridge Chiropractic in Clairemont?
At the Bridge Chiropractic, we blend clinical precision with personalized care. Whether your carpal tunnel symptoms began after a repetitive-motion injury or are linked to a recent auto accident, our team designs a customized, evidence-based plan that targets your specific needs.
Ready to Free Your Hands from Pain?
Call The Bridge Chiropractic today at (858) 247-1214 or click Book Now on our website to schedule your carpal tunnel assessment. Let us help you restore wrist function, relieve nerve irritation, and get back to the activities you love—pain-free!