Carpal Tunnel Syndrome involves compression of the median nerve in the wrist that can cause pain, numbness, and weakness of the hand, wrist, and fingers. The most common medical treatment is carpal tunnel surgery where the ligament in the wrist is cut to make more room for the compressed nerve. 

As with any surgery there is a risk of complications and a recurrence of the problem. It makes sense to try more conservative treatment first. 

Sometimes people have a clear history of microtrauma or injuries to the wrist that helps us understand why they might have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Many times there is no clear history that explains why the CTS developed. 

Perhaps it makes more sense to explore a more conservative course of care before undergoing surgery that cannot be reversed. 

Let’s take a look at how you can approach Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment in a non-invasive conservative way. 

IT’S ABOUT THE NERVES!

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome involves compression of the Median Nerve as it passes through the wrist. Surgery cuts the ligament over the nerve to decompress the area and provide more room and take pressure off of the nerve.

While surgery works to provide symptomatic relief it fails in one important way. It never looks at why the nerve is compressed in the first place. And, could there be a problem somewhere else in the nerve other than the wrist?

One researcher found 70% of Carpal Tunnel cases had a nerve lesion in another location other than the wrist.

DOUBLE CRUSH SYNDROME

Double Crush Syndrome, as the name implies, involves two sites of compression of the Median Nerve. The numbness, pain, and weakness might be limited to the hand and wrist but the nerve is often compressed in the neck where it exits the spine. 

The Median Nerve originates from nerves in the mid and lower neck. Any misalignment, joint degeneration, or arthritis can put pressure on the nerve as it exits the neck. That might not be enough to cause symptoms until the nerve becomes further compressed in the wrist. 

If you relieve pressure in the wrist you’ve only taken care of half of the problem. What might be an alternative solution to Carpal Tunnel Surgery?

CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Let’s look at how chiropractic care is often successful in a short period of time in healing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

After all you can always move forward with surgery but if the surgery doesn’t work you can’t undo it. 

#1 Cervical Subluxations

Cervical refers to the neck and a subluxation is a misaligned spinal bone that puts pressure on the nerves that exit the spine. 

The Median Nerve has nerve fibers from 4 to 5 levels of the neck. Multiple misalignments can put significant pressure on the nerves that form the Median Nerve. 

Chiropractic adjustments realign the subluxations to take pressure off of the nerves and allow them to heal. 

#2  Wrist Subluxations

The wrist is composed of 8 small bones that allow for the wide range of motion of the wrist. Anytime you have a lot of mobility you sacrifice stability and this often results in some of the wrist or carpal bones getting misaligned. 

Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper motion and alignment to the bones of the forearm, wrist, and hand. This takes pressure off the Median Nerve. 

SURGERY FOR ANOTHER DAY

As I said earlier you can always opt for surgery but you can never undo surgery. One common complication of surgery is the development of scar tissue that causes a recurrence. 

Here are some interesting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery Statistics:

• According to NIOSH, Only 23% of all Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients were able to return to their previous professions following surgery.
• Many patients are undergoing multiple surgeries, which can cause complications ranging from excessive scar tissue overgrowth (re- compressing the nerve tunnel) to surgical injuries that leave the fingers totally devoid of sensation.
• Women are twice as likely to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as opposed to their male counterparts.

Unless there is a pressing need for surgery, it should be a last resort. Consider giving chiropractic a try. Make sure to find a chiropractor skilled not only in the adjustment of the cervical spine but also the upper extremity. 

About Dr. Berkowitz of Life Chiropractic:

Bringing more than 3 decades of practice experience, Dr. Bill Berkowitz focuses on balancing and corrective care, applying his expertise to provide patients with predictable, repeatable and measurable results.

Dr. Bill consistently strives to enhance the well-being of his patients by addressing the root imbalances of their problems and promoting optimal balance, alignment, and function of the spine and nervous system.  

Bill’s wealth of knowledge and experience has allowed him to develop a nuanced understanding of the human body and its intricate connections. With each adjustment, he supports the body in returning to a state of balance that goes beyond mere symptom relief, focusing instead on long-term correction for his patients’ well-being. 

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