Do you experience tingling in your hand or fingers? Pain that radiates from your wrist to your shoulder? Maybe even difficulty holding small objects? If so, you could be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), an uncomfortable and sometimes disabling condition that affects up to five million Americans.

The good news is that lifestyle changes can relieve symptoms, and there are many treatments available to help.

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What is CTS?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that protects the median nerve which innervates the hand as well as tendons that control the fingers. This nerve controls sensation and muscle movements in the hand. If the carpal tunnel becomes narrowed from swelling or injury, the nerve is compressed and impinged. This can cause numbness, pain, and severe weakness in the hands.

There are several causes of CTS, but the main culprit is repetitive flexion and extension of the tendons in the hands and wrists, especially when performed for long periods, leading to Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI).

Symptoms usually start with dull wrist pain that gradually worsens. Other symptoms may include:

• Loss of feeling in the fingers

• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the fingers or hand

• Pain extending from the wrist up the arm to the shoulder or down into the palm or fingers

• Weakness in the hands and difficulty holding objects

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How can Gonstead Chiropractic help?

Gonstead Chiropractic can be a valuable, noninvasive approach for people suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome by addressing both the local wrist strain and the underlying spinal and nerve-related factors that often contribute to symptoms. Carpal tunnel occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed, leading to numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the hand and wrist—often aggravated by repetitive use, poor posture, or nerve irritation originating higher in the spine. Using the Gonstead system’s detailed analysis, the doctor carefully evaluates spinal alignment, particularly in the cervical spine, as well as the biomechanics of the shoulder, arm, and wrist to identify areas placing excess stress on the nerve pathway. Precise, specific adjustments are used to improve alignment and nerve function, while complementary therapies such as soft tissue and deep tissue techniques help reduce muscle tension and inflammation in the forearm and wrist. Stretching, ergonomic guidance, and practical tips for daily activities are also incorporated to reduce repetitive strain and prevent symptom flare-ups. This comprehensive, targeted approach helps improve nerve communication, relieve pressure, and support long-term function, allowing many patients to experience reduced discomfort and improved hand strength and mobility.