What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve — which runs from your forearm through a narrow passageway in your wrist called the carpal tunnel — becomes compressed. This compression produces pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers.
CTS is commonly associated with repetitive hand motions (typing, assembly work, using vibrating tools), but it can also develop after trauma to the wrist — including car accidents — or be part of a "double crush" syndrome where nerve compression occurs at both the wrist and the cervical spine simultaneously.
Many patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel actually have cervical radiculopathy (a pinched nerve in the neck) that mimics CTS symptoms. A thorough examination of both the wrist and the spine is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Carpal Tunnel Symptoms
What Causes Carpal Tunnel?
Repetitive Hand Motions
Typing, assembly line work, using power tools, and other repetitive wrist movements inflame tendons within the carpal tunnel, compressing the median nerve.
Auto Accident Trauma
Impact forces — especially bracing on the steering wheel — can directly injure the wrist and carpal tunnel, or create cervical nerve compression that mimics CTS.
Double Crush Syndrome
The median nerve is compressed at two points simultaneously — typically the cervical spine and the wrist — amplifying symptoms beyond what either compression alone would cause.
Fluid Retention & Inflammation
Pregnancy, thyroid conditions, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders can cause swelling that narrows the carpal tunnel.
Wrist Anatomy & Positioning
Some people have naturally smaller carpal tunnels. Prolonged wrist flexion or extension (sleeping with wrists bent) exacerbates compression.
How We Treat Carpal Tunnel
Wrist & Cervical Adjustments
Adjustments to both the carpal bones and the cervical spine address the full nerve pathway and relieve compression at every level.
Carpal Tunnel Mobilization
Specific manual techniques to open the carpal tunnel, reduce tendon inflammation, and improve median nerve glide.
Nerve Gliding Exercises
Guided exercises that help the median nerve move freely through the carpal tunnel, reducing adhesions and irritation.
Ergonomic Guidance
Workplace and home modifications to reduce repetitive strain — keyboard positioning, mouse alternatives, wrist support, and break schedules.
Anti-Inflammatory Strategies
Dr. Crifase's nutrition credentials inform targeted dietary and supplementation recommendations to reduce systemic inflammation.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- ⚠ Sudden complete numbness in the hand
- ⚠ Visible muscle wasting (atrophy) at the base of the thumb
- ⚠ Inability to grip or hold objects
- ⚠ Symptoms in both hands progressing rapidly
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor treat carpal tunnel?
Yes. Chiropractic care for CTS addresses both the wrist and cervical spine, and research shows it can significantly reduce symptoms without surgery.
How is carpal tunnel different from a pinched nerve in the neck?
CTS affects the median nerve at the wrist; cervical radiculopathy compresses nerves at the neck. Symptoms overlap significantly, which is why both areas must be evaluated.
Can a car accident cause carpal tunnel?
Yes — both through direct wrist trauma and through cervical spine injuries that create double crush syndrome.
How long does carpal tunnel treatment take?
Many patients improve in 4–8 weeks. Severe or longstanding cases may take longer and occasionally require surgical referral.
Should I wear a wrist brace?
Night splints can help reduce symptoms. Dr. Crifase will advise whether bracing is appropriate for your specific case.