Dealing With Hand Numbness or Tingling?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist. Symptoms commonly affect the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger and may be especially noticeable at night or during activities involving the hands and wrists. An evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist formed by bones and connective tissue. The median nerve and several tendons pass through this space.
When pressure on the median nerve increases, you may develop symptoms such as:
- Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
- Burning or aching discomfort
- Symptoms that wake you at night
- Discomfort with gripping or prolonged hand use
- A sensation of hand swelling even when swelling isn't obvious
- Weakness or difficulty with fine hand movements
Symptoms can sometimes extend into the forearm.
What Can Contribute to Carpal Tunnel Symptoms?
Carpal tunnel symptoms may be associated with repetitive or sustained use of the hands and wrists, but there isn't always one simple cause.
Certain medical conditions, changes during pregnancy, previous wrist injuries, and other factors may also increase pressure within the carpal tunnel.
Just as importantly, not every case of hand numbness or tingling is carpal tunnel syndrome. Nerves can also become irritated elsewhere in the arm or neck and produce symptoms that may feel similar.
Chiropractic Evaluation for Hand and Wrist Symptoms
Your visit starts with a history and examination to better understand where you're experiencing symptoms and what activities or positions affect them.
Depending on your symptoms, we may evaluate the wrist and hand as well as related areas such as the elbow, shoulder, or neck.
When conservative chiropractic care is appropriate, treatment may include extremity adjusting, soft-tissue techniques, therapeutic exercise, activity or ergonomic recommendations, or other supportive care based on your individual needs.
If your symptoms or examination findings suggest that additional testing, imaging, or evaluation by another medical provider is appropriate, we'll discuss that with you.
When Should Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Be Evaluated?
Persistent numbness, increasing weakness, difficulty gripping or using the hand, or symptoms that are becoming progressively worse deserve evaluation. Significant nerve compression can affect hand function, so worsening neurological symptoms shouldn't simply be ignored.
Ready To Get Started?
If numbness, tingling, wrist pain, or hand symptoms are interfering with work, sleep, or everyday activities, schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors.
