Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral nerve entrapment condition, affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the narrow passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. The median nerve begins as nerve roots in the cervical spine which then form the nerve in the shoulder region. It then runs down the arm and into the palm of the hand.

This compression can create a wide range of symptoms that interfere with daily life, work, and hobbies.

Common Symptoms

• Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers

• Burning or aching pain in the forearm, wrist and/or palm

• Weakness or difficulty gripping objects

• Nighttime pain that interrupts sleep

• Symptoms that worsen with typing, mouse use, or repetitive hand activity
  

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a small, rigid passageway of bones and ligaments at the wrist. Anything that reduces the space in this tunnel or increases pressure on the median nerve can cause irritation and symptoms.

Common causes include:

• Repetitive motions – typing, computer mouse use, playing musical instruments, factory work, construction work

• Poor wrist position – bent wrists while working or sleeping

• Muscle & fascial tension – tension in the wrist flexor muscles in the forearm and fascia that restrict nerve mobility

• Systemic inflammation – conditions like diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, or autoimmune issues

• Pregnancy-related swelling – increased fluid can compress the nerve
  

Misdiagnosis Alert 🚨

Not all wrist or hand pain is carpal tunnel syndrome. In fact, I often see patients who were told they had CTS when the true issue a different nerve altogether, or was higher up on the median nerve in the arm or neck.

If the symptoms are on the dorsal or back side of the hand (the side opposite the palm), it is most likely not carpal tunnel syndrome.

Also, if the symptoms are on the pinky and ring finger only, it’s probably not carpal tunnel syndrome, but may be an ulnar nerve impingement instead.

Conditions that can mimic CTS:

• Pronator Teres Syndrome – median nerve compression in the forearm just below the elbow

• Cervical Radiculopathy – nerve root irritation in the neck often due to a herniated or bulging disc

• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome – nerve compression near the shoulder or scales muscles

• Trigger points in forearm or shoulder muscles causing referred pain

Sometimes there can be multiple impingement locations on the same nerve. For example, there can be and issue at the carpal tunnel, pronator terms and scales muscles simultaneously.

This is why a thorough evaluation is essential — proper diagnosis ensures the right treatment.

Natural Treatment Options

The good news is that most people with carpal tunnel symptoms improve with conservative, natural care — without surgery.

1. Ergonomic Corrections

• Keep wrists neutral while typing

• Use an ergonomic keyboard or mouse

• Take frequent micro-breaks and stretch during work

2. Nerve Gliding (Flossing) Exercises

Gentle nerve mobility drills help the median nerve move freely through surrounding tissues. Click here for a demonstration of an easy median nerve gliding exercise.

3. Soft Tissue & Fascial Release

Techniques such as Active Release Techniques (A.R.T.) and Stecco Fascial Manipulation free up tight forearm flexors, fascia, and wrist tissues that often contribute to compression, and allow to median nerve to move more freely.

4. Chiropractic Care

Addressing wrist, elbow, shoulder, and even cervical spine joint function reduces nerve irritation and restores proper biomechanics.

5. Acupuncture

Helps reduce pain, regulate the nervous system, improve blood flow, and decrease inflammation in the wrist and forearm.

6. Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle

• Eat a clean, anti-inflammatory diet (whole organic foods without added sugar or unnatural additives)

• Regulate blood sugar and improve metabolic health

• Consider supplements such as vitamin D, magnesium, B-complex, omega-3 fatty acids and/or turmeric. Check with a professional before adding supplements, especially if on medication.

• Stay hydrated to keep fascia supple
  

When Surgery May Be Needed

In some cases, when symptoms are severe and do not respond to conservative care, or if there is ongoing muscle atrophy and loss of function, surgical intervention may be necessary. But for the majority of people, natural, integrative care is highly effective.

Final Thoughts

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be frustrating and even disabling — but it doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of pain or surgery. By addressing the root causes through chiropractic, soft tissue therapy, acupuncture, and lifestyle changes, lasting relief is possible.

✨ If you’re in Great Barrington or the Berkshires and struggling with wrist, hand, or forearm pain, I’d be happy to help you find the cause and create a personalized, natural treatment plan.

👉 Your body has the power to heal — my role is to guide and support you in the that process.