If your hand tingles, your wrist aches, or your fingers feel numb, you may be wondering: Can a chiropractor help with carpal tunnel? The good news is that chiropractic care may offer non-invasive relief for many who are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Let’s break it down in simple terms and explore how chiropractic care can help carpal tunnel syndrome, what to expect during treatment, and whether seeing a chiropractor for carpal tunnel is right for you.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve – a major nerve running from your forearm to your hand – becomes compressed within the carpal tunnel. This tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist formed by bones (called carpal bones) and soft tissue.
When the tissue (biology) inside the wrist becomes inflamed or irritated, it can increase pressure on the median nerve, resulting in:
- Tingling sensations
- Numbness in the fingers and thumb
- Hand and wrist weakness
- Shooting pain up the arm
- Reduced range of motion
These are just some signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Repetitive strain injury from tasks like typing or assembly line work
- Inflammation from arthritis or tendonitis
- Tissue swelling from injury or overuse
- Poor wrist posture or ergonomics
How Chiropractic Can Help Carpal Tunnel
Chiropractic care offers a safe, drug-free way to manage symptoms and potentially prevent future episodes of carpal tunnel syndrome. A good chiropractor will evaluate your wrist, spine, neck, and overall posture to identify what’s compressing the median nerve.
Common Chiropractic Techniques to Help Relieve Carpal Tunnel
A chiropractor may use several chiropractic treatment techniques, including:
- Spinal manipulation: Realigning the spine and neck to improve nerve flow
- Wrist adjustments: Gentle adjustments to the wrist to relieve pressure on the median nerve
- Soft tissue therapy: Targeting muscle tension, myofascial trigger points, or inflammation in the forearm and elbow
- Therapeutic ultrasound: Using sound waves to help reduce inflammation and improve flexibility (anatomy)
- Stretching and ergonomic advice: Recommendations to improve hand and wrist usage and reduce future strain
These techniques help relieve carpal tunnel symptoms like pain, tingling, and numbness by improving mobility, reducing pressure on the nerve, and supporting overall musculoskeletal health.
Why Chiropractic Care Can Be Effective for Carpal Tunnel
Chiropractic care can provide individualized, hands-on attention that targets the root cause – not just the symptoms. Many types of carpal tunnel syndrome treatment focus only on the wrist. But effective chiropractic providers recognize spinal and nerve involvement as key contributors.
Some ways chiropractic can help carpal tunnel include:
- Addressing misalignments in the cervical spine or shoulder, which can exacerbate carpal tunnel
- Using manual therapy on the muscles and tendons around the wrist to relieve pressure on the median nerve
- Improving nerve communication, which helps alleviate carpal tunnel symptoms
Remember, chiropractic treatment can often be used alongside other therapies like physical therapy, exercise, and sometimes medication or corticosteroid options (but always under the guidance of a qualified professional).
Choosing the Right Chiropractor for Carpal Tunnel
If you’re considering chiropractic care for carpal tunnel syndrome, you’ll want to see a chiropractor who understands how the body’s structures are all connected. A spinal issue in the neck or shoulder may influence wrist pain, so finding a provider that looks at the body holistically is key.
At Elite Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness, our chiropractic services in Walnut Creek are designed to help patients create a personalized treatment plan that is specific to their needs while avoiding surgery or steroid injections whenever possible.
A chiropractor for carpal tunnel will often:
- Perform a full assessment of your spine, wrist, and posture
- Create a personalized treatment plan based on your signs and symptoms
- Recommend exercises or lifestyle modifications to help prevent future episodes of carpal tunnel
- Schedule chiropractic visits based on the severity of your condition and response to care
What to Expect From Chiropractic Visits for Carpal Tunnel
Your frequency of chiropractic visits will depend on how severe your symptoms are and how your wrist and spine respond to treatment. Chiropractic care often includes periodic reassessments and treatment plan adjustments.
Initial goals may include:
- Reduce inflammation
- Help relieve tension in the wrist and forearm
- Relieve pressure on the median nerve
- Increase range of motion
- Prevent future episodes of carpal tunnel syndrome
Over time, you may notice less numbness, less pain, and more strength in your hand. Your chiropractor may also recommend stretches and exercises to maintain results.
Chiropractic Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel
Chiropractic treatment for carpal tunnel focuses on restoring your body’s natural alignment for healing and prevention. It is non-invasive and may help you avoid the side effects of medication or surgery.
Treatment options may include:
- Spinal adjustment and alignment
- Adjustments to the wrist called the carpal tunnel
- Manual therapy or soft tissue treatments
- Therapeutic ultrasound
- Physical therapy-style exercises
- Ergonomic and posture improvements
Many patients find that effective chiropractic care can help alleviate pain and reduce dependence on medication.
Is It Time to See a Chiropractor for Carpal Tunnel?
If you’re suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome or suspect that repetitive strain has led to carpal tunnel pain, it may be time to see a chiropractor. Chiropractors can help by offering a non-invasive treatment for CTS while addressing the underlying causes.
Managing carpal tunnel syndrome requires taking action before the condition worsens.
Chiropractic care can help reduce pressure and improve nerve function without drugs or surgery. Not only that, but consistent chiropractic care may help prevent future episodes of carpal tunnel.
Final Thoughts: Can Chiropractic Help With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Yes, chiropractic care can aid recovery, relieve carpal tunnel symptoms, and help manage ongoing discomfort linked to nerve compression. As one mode of treatment, chiropractic can offer a non-invasive, effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.
If you’re looking for carpal tunnel treatment that focuses on long-term health, chiropractic care may be the right fit. From adjustments to the spine and wrist to lifestyle support, chiropractic care can help you find relief and prevent future complications.
Don’t wait. If you’re exploring options for carpal tunnel and want to avoid unnecessary medication or surgery, consider booking with a trusted Walnut Creek-based expert today.
Let chiropractic care help alleviate your symptoms and get you back to living pain-free.
