Carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness, tingling, weakness, and other problems in your hand because of pressure on the median nerve in your wrist.
The median nerve and several tendons run from your forearm to your hand through a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel .
Symptoms: Pain and Tingling
Carpal tunnel develops slowly. At first, you’re most likely to notice it at night or when you first wake up in the morning. The feeling is similar to the “pins-and-needles” sensation you get when your hand falls asleep. During the day, you may notice pain or tingling when holding things, like a phone or a book, or when driving. Shaking or moving your fingers usually helps.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
There usually isn’t one definitive cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Because the carpal tunnel is narrow and rigid, anytime there is swelling or inflammation in the area, the median nerve can be compressed and cause pain. Symptoms may be present in one or both hands (usually symptoms develop in the dominant hand first).
Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If surgery is needed, it’s typically done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia (meaning you’re awake during surgery). The ligament overlying the top of the carpal tunnel is cut to relieve pressure. The healed ligament will allow more space in the carpal tunnel. Sometimes the procedure is done endoscopically, using a tiny camera inserted through a very small incision to guide the procedure.
Complementary Treatments
Some studies suggest that chiropractic manipulation of the wrist, elbow, and upper spine can improve carpal tunnel syndrome. There is also some evidence that acupuncture may help restore nerve function and relieve symptoms
