Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you struggling with hand pain, numbness or weakness and wondering if it’s just carpal tunnel syndrome, or even something more? Sometimes, the problem isn’t only in your wrist. It can actually start in your neck, a condition known as double crush syndrome. Understanding this connection is essential for getting the right treatment.
That being said, in this guide we’ll explore how neck and wrist issues are linked and how NUCCA can help you find real, lasting relief.
The Basics: What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Let’s first start off with the basics. To put it simply, carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as CTS, develops when the median nerve, which travels through a tiny tunnel in the wrist, becomes squeezed. This may result in numbness, tingling, discomfort or weakness in your hand. Repetitive motions, such as prolonged use of a computer mouse, might raise your risk. That said, if untreated, CTS can gradually make daily tasks more difficult as time goes on.
The Common Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Now let’s move onto some of the common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have CTS, you might notice:
⦁ Numbness or tingling in your thumb, index, middle and ring fingers.
⦁ Pain that travels up your arm, sometimes to your shoulder.
⦁ Weakness in your hand, making it hard to grip objects.
⦁ Symptoms that get worse at night or with certain wrist movements.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery: What to Expect
If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be needed. The purpose of carpal tunnel release surgery is to alleviate pressure on the median nerve by removing the ligament that is compressing it.
There are two main types of surgery for CTS:
⦁ Open Surgery: A small cut is made in your palm to access the ligament directly.
⦁ Endoscopic Surgery: Smaller incisions are made and a tiny camera helps guide the surgeon.
That being said, both procedures are short, lasting around 15-30 minutes and are frequently performed under local anesthetic.
Who Should Consider Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
You may be a suitable candidate for surgery if you:
⦁ Have moderate to severe symptoms that impact your everyday life.
⦁ Have not received relief from non-surgical procedures.
⦁ Show symptoms of nerve damage on testing.
⦁ Have muscular weakness or shrinkage in your hand.
⦁ Have symptoms that last six months or longer.
However, surgery may not be required if your symptoms are minor, respond well to medication, or are caused by a transient condition such as pregnancy.
Double Crush Syndrome: When the Neck Affects the Wrist
When people think about carpal tunnel syndrome, they typically believe the problem begins and stops in the wrist. However, sometimes it is only part of it. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms might also begin much higher up, such as in the neck. This condition is known as double crush syndrome.
Double crush syndrome occurs when a nerve is squeezed at more than one location along its route. CTS typically involves compression of both the neck (cervical spine) and the wrist. When nerves are pinched in various locations, the symptoms can become more severe and difficult to treat until both sites are addressed.
Recognizing double crush syndrome is key since treating only the wrist might not completely relieve your symptoms if the nerve is also compressed at the neck.
How Neck Problems Can Cause Wrist Pain
Let’s break it all down. The median nerve, the primary nerve involved in carpal tunnel syndrome, originates in your neck, specifically from nerve roots in the lower region of the cervical spine.
If you have a problem in your neck, such as a herniated disc, spinal arthritis or spinal canal constriction (spinal stenosis), the nerve might be pinched before it reaches your wrist. When this occurs, the nerve becomes more sensitive and susceptible to extra pressure at the wrist.
In other words, an issue with your neck might lead to wrist symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness and discomfort. This also suggests that treating only the wrist may not be sufficient. If the underlying neck problem is not treated, you may still have problems following wrist surgery or other carpal tunnel treatments.
That’s why it’s extremely important to have a full evaluation by a certified medical professional, one that looks at both your wrist and your neck, before deciding on a treatment plan.
An Overview: Getting the Right Treatment for Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome can really interfere with your life, making it hard to do simple tasks like typing, cooking or even holding a coffee cup. But the good news is that with the right care, most people can find lasting relief.
Treatment for CTS often starts with conservative options like wrist splints, physical therapy, chiropractic care or adjustments in your daily activities. In some cases, more advanced treatments like steroid injections or surgery are needed to release pressure on the median nerve.
That said, if double crush syndrome is suspected, treatment needs to address both the wrist and the neck. This might involve therapies that relieve pressure on the cervical spine, such as specific chiropractic adjustments, posture correction or targeted physical therapy exercises.
In all, the earlier you catch and treat carpal tunnel symptoms, the better your chances are for a full recovery. Ignoring symptoms or delaying care can lead to permanent nerve damage, so it’s important to act quickly if you’re experiencing ongoing hand or wrist issues.
Choose NUCCA Chiropractic for Your Carpal Tunnel Relief
At NUCCA Wellness Clinic of Chicago, we take a different approach to carpal tunnel care. Instead of focusing only on the wrist, we look at your entire nerve pathway, including your neck and spine, to find the true source of your symptoms.
We believe in addressing the underlying problem rather than simply the symptoms, so you can get back to your favorite activities painlessly and confidently.
If you’re experiencing hand, wrist or neck issues, contact NUCCA by phone or contact form. Let’s work together to find the best option for you and get you feeling your absolute best as soon as possible.
