Carpal tunnel syndrome patients often complain of experiencing neck pain. The same nerves go through the wrist tunnel and emerge from the neck can compress or irritate the neck joints. If the nerves are pinched in two areas, it’s referred to as a “double crush.” Due to irritation at the neck, focusing only on the wrist for treatment is not a complete solution to this debilitating problem.
Carpal Tunnel Study
Recent research by Russel BS. Chiro & Osteo 2008 has reviewed the evidence for and against this linkage of two problems. Dr. Russel concludes if the wrist symptoms only involve sensation, rather than weakness, then the double crush link may be questionable. However, if you have a motor issue with a nerve, and experience weakness or loss of grip strength, then the problem at the neck appears to be more relevant.
However, many patients with carpal tunnel will also experience neck pain. A trial of chiropractic care at the wrist and neck is a conservative strategy.
If your carpal tunnel symptoms developed after a neck injury and you also have pain in the upper arm or shoulder, these may be clues that your nerve is irritated in more than one location.
Conclusion
Getting to the cause of a problem, rather than only treating the symptoms, is a hallmark of chiropractic care. Dr. Woodward can assist you with doing corrective wrist strengthening exercises and stretches. This may relieve pressure at the wrist tunnel. Some patients also benefit from nutritional counseling and even weight-loss strategies. Extra weight is a risk factor for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Other patients may need simple ergonomic instruction. Ergonomic instruction includes modifying your posture at a workstation to take pressure off of both the neck and wrist.
The important thing is to get properly diagnosed, with x-rays if needed. Imaging helps get a full and comprehensive picture of the actual problem. Many people believe surgery or daily medications is their only alternatives instead of considering natural and drug-free chiropractic care.
