Updated
Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. Other conditions can also cause hand pain or numbness, so the first step is identifying the cause. Our chiropractors in Clarksville TN can assess musculoskeletal symptoms and explain when another provider is needed. A treatment decision should follow the findings, rather than a promise of a particular result.
Carpal Tunnel Treatment in Clarksville TN
Symptoms often include numbness, tingling or pain in the thumb, index and middle fingers, and part of the ring finger. They may wake you at night. Weakness can make buttons or gripping objects difficult. AAOS explains the symptom pattern.
Arrange prompt medical assessment for persistent numbness, worsening hand weakness, dropping objects or loss of muscle at the base of the thumb. Prolonged compression can damage the nerve; do not keep repeating a treatment that is not helping while strength or sensation deteriorates. Sudden arm weakness with facial drooping or trouble speaking is a possible stroke: call 911. See CDC stroke warning signs.
What is the Cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Pressure builds within the narrow passage at the wrist. Several factors can contribute, including wrist anatomy, repetitive hand use, sustained wrist positions, pregnancy-related swelling and certain medical conditions. It is not simply a matter of bones being out of alignment. A nerve problem in the neck can cause similar hand symptoms, but that is a different diagnosis from median nerve compression at the wrist. Read AAOS's explanation of causes and assessment.
How is Carpal Tunnel Treated at Source Chiropractic?
A visit starts with a history and examination. We explain the findings and whether care here or further medical assessment is appropriate. We do not promise to release wrist nerve compression by adjusting the spine or guarantee a pain-free result.
Depending on severity, options include a wrist splint and activity changes to reduce pressure, clinician-directed treatment for symptoms, or surgical release for persistent or severe compression. Surgery can help many patients; it is inaccurate to say established treatments usually fail. Recovery depends in part on how much nerve damage is already present. AAOS describes these options, benefits and surgical risks.
If manual care is considered for a related musculoskeletal complaint, discuss its purpose, alternatives and risks first. Spinal manipulation can cause temporary soreness; serious neurological complications have also been reported. NCCIH summarizes its safety evidence.
If we are not able to help you with your problem or are unable to reduce your pain levels, we will make sure to give you a recommendation to another experienced provider. Contact Source Chiropractic in Clarksville TN to discuss an evaluation.
Follow the evidence
Research, with context.
Published sources behind the discussion. Read the findings alongside the limits; a study is not a diagnosis or a promise of a result.
The effectiveness of corticosteroid injection versus night splints for carpal tunnel syndrome: 24-month follow-up of a randomized trial
Follow-up of 234 adults randomized to injection or night splinting for mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.
What it foundSymptom, function and pain scores did not significantly differ between the groups at 12 or 24 months.
What it cannot tell usAbout 71–73% responded at 24 months. Severe carpal tunnel syndrome was outside this comparison, which did not test chiropractic treatment.
Publication details & citation
Burton et al. The effectiveness of corticosteroid injection versus night splints for carpal tunnel syndrome: 24-month follow-up of a randomized trial. Rheumatology. 2023. DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac219.
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