Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects your wrist and hand when the median nerve comes under pressure as it passes through your wrist.

The carpal tunnel is a collection of bones and ligaments in your wrist through which the median nerve runs. If the ligament in your carpal tunnel starts to thicken, it can press down on the median nerve and cause the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

These symptoms are likely to get worse over time, becoming increasingly painful and spreading up to your shoulder in some cases.

The first symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome tends to be an aching in your wrist, as though you’ve been overusing it. The ache steadily gets worse and spreads into your thumb and first two fingers on the affected hand. 

Symptoms affect one side of the hand and rarely the other because the median nerve goes into the thumb side of your hand.

The aching tends to get more painful, particularly at night. It can be so uncomfortable it wakes you up. In the morning, your wrist, hand, and arm might feel numb. 

As well as pain and numbness, your grip starts to weaken, so you find it hard to hold anything firmly with the affected hand.

You might start to drop plates and cups and find it difficult to hold a pen when you write. If you play sports, you’ll find it hard to grip your racquet, bat, or golf club.

The treatment you receive for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on a variety of factors. Your treatment may include: 

Wrist splint

Wearing a wrist splint at night can help ease pressure on the median nerve by keeping your wrist straight. The reason you wake up with a numb wrist when you have carpal tunnel syndrome is that your wrist tends to bend in the night, making the pressure worse. Wearing a splint relieves this pressure.

Carpal tunnel release

Conventional treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome might lead to having carpal tunnel release surgery. This procedure involves cutting the thickened ligament in your wrist to make room for the median nerve. 

It may prove successful, but the operation can put you out of action for several months. There are also risks to consider, such as the procedure not working or there being complications.

Nonsurgical carpal tunnel treatment

Dr. Eckert specializes in treating carpal tunnel syndrome using noninvasive chiropractic treatments, helping you avoid the need for carpal tunnel release surgery. He uses a combination of gentle adjustments to your wrist, stretching exercises, and cooling therapies to reduce pressure on the nerve.

Low-level laser therapy

Dr. Eckert also uses low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. This involves applying a low-intensity visible red or infrared laser to your wrist over the median nerve. LLLT reduces or eliminates symptoms by reducing tissue inflammation and improving nerve function.

If you’re struggling with wrist pain and weakness associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, call Eckert Chiropractic to schedule a consultation today.