Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist — producing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers, often worse at night. It's extremely common, particularly among people who perform repetitive hand and wrist tasks.
What many patients — and many providers — don't appreciate is that carpal tunnel syndrome is frequently part of a larger clinical picture. The median nerve doesn't originate in the wrist — it originates in the cervical spine. Dysfunction anywhere along its pathway, from the neck through the shoulder and elbow to the wrist, can contribute to carpal tunnel symptoms. Treating only the wrist while ignoring the rest of the nerve pathway often produces incomplete or temporary results.
How We Treat It
We begin with a comprehensive evaluation to identify all the contributors to your symptoms — including the cervical spine, thoracic outlet, elbow, and wrist. Treatment addresses the full picture: chiropractic adjustment of the cervical and upper thoracic spine, soft tissue therapy along the nerve pathway, specific wrist and forearm treatment, and rehabilitative exercises designed to reduce nerve irritation and restore function.
Class IV Deep Tissue Laser is particularly effective for carpal tunnel, reducing inflammation in the carpal tunnel and accelerating tissue healing. Many patients see significant improvement without surgery — and those who do ultimately need surgery often find that conservative care has prepared them for a faster, smoother recovery.