Carpal tunnel: numb, tingling, weak hands
Pain, weakness, numbness or tingling in the hand and wrist that can radiate into the forearm.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a problem of the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand through a narrow tunnel at the wrist made of bones, ligaments and tendons. When pressure in that tunnel rises, the nerve is compressed and the hand responds with pain, weakness, numbness or tingling. The same nerve can also be irritated higher up, in the forearm, shoulder or neck, which is why a wrist-only approach sometimes misses. It is one of the most common reasons people from Meridian and across the Treasure Valley come to see us.
Why does it keep coming back?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is best assessed early. The consultation includes a physical exam of the hands, arms, shoulders and neck and orthopedic tests to help tell whether symptoms relate to daily activities or to an underlying cause. X-rays and, where appropriate, referral for lab tests can rule out other causes of wrist and hand pain.
How we look at it at Bonfire
The first visit is the same careful process whatever brought you in: a nerve scan with a chiropractic assistant, then your history, a thorough exam with the doctor, and X-rays the same day. Visit two is the report of findings, where you hear what was found and what care could look like, before your first adjustment.
What does care involve?
Care depends on where the nerve is being irritated: adjustments to the wrist, elbow, shoulder or neck as findings indicate, corrective exercise and workstation advice, and SoftWave therapy where it may help. The doctors will refer if findings suggest a surgical case.
Two minutes from the doctors
Questions about carpal tunnel syndrome
Is it really carpal tunnel, or my neck?
Numbness in the hand can come from the wrist or from the neck. The exam is designed to tell which, and sometimes it is both.
Can I keep typing?
Usually, with changes to position and breaks. We will go through your workstation setup.
This page is general education, not medical advice. Individual results vary. Talk with a qualified healthcare provider about your own situation, and never stop a prescribed medication without speaking to the doctor who prescribed it.