Chiropractic Care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — Natural Relief and Functional Recovery
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
CTS occurs when the median nerve is compressed within the wrist’s carpal tunnel, resulting in numbness, tingling, burning sensations, weakness, and in advanced cases, muscle atrophy at the thumb’s base. Causes include repetitive wrist motions, underlying medical or anatomical risk factors, and systemic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes.
How Chiropractic Care Addresses CTS
- Targeted Adjustments
Chiropractic care aims to reduce compression on the median nerve by:- Applying wrist, elbow, and upper spine adjustments to improve alignment and relieve pressure.
- Addressing posture and spinal misalignment that may contribute to nerve irritation.
- Soft Tissue Therapy & Nerve Gliding
Soft tissue techniques, combined with nerve gliding exercises, help reduce tension and improve nerve mobility, potentially easing CTS symptoms.
- Evidence-Based Benefits
- A randomized clinical trial found chiropractic care (spinal and upper-extremity manipulation, ultrasound, and splinting) was as effective at improving nerve conduction and symptoms as standard medical care.
- Multiple case series and reviews report improvements in range of motion, finger sensation, grip strength, and pain through chiropractic-assisted therapy.
- A study focusing on older patients with hand-wrist symptoms offered preliminary evidence of chiropractic benefit in that demographic.
How Chiropractic Works: A Multi-Faceted Approach
| Chiropractic Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Realignment of Joints | Adjustments to the wrist, elbow, and spine relieve nerve compression. |
| Soft Tissue & Nerve Mobility | Techniques that minimize inflammation and enhance nerve gliding. |
| Whole-Body Assessment | Addresses interconnected issues that may exacerbate CTS—like improper posture or spinal tension. |
| Multimodal Therapy | Combines adjustments, soft tissue work, exercise, and splinting for comprehensive care. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can chiropractic care really help carpal tunnel symptoms?
A: Yes—there’s clinical evidence suggesting chiropractic care can improve symptoms, nerve conduction, and hand function.
Q: Is chiropractic a safe alternative to surgery or medications?
A: For many patients, yes. Chiropractic is non-invasive and promotes natural healing without drugs or surgery when monitored appropriately.
Q: Are wrist exercises part of the treatment?
A: Absolutely—nerve gliding exercises are a core component aimed at reducing nerve compression and improving hand sensation and strength.
Q: Does it address causes above the wrist?
A: Yes—misalignment or tension in the wrist, elbow, or upper spine can impact CTS, and chiropractic care addresses these levels as well.
Ready to Find Relief? Let Chiropractic Work for You
At Action Chiropractic Center in West Valley City, UT, we offer personalized, evidence-informed chiropractic care to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Our treatment plans typically include gentle adjustments, nerve gliding, soft tissue therapy, and ergonomic guidance—all tailored to your hands-on recovery goals.
Call (801) 966-9100 or book your appointment online today to reclaim comfort, mobility, and hand function—naturally.