Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that affects the hands and wrists, often causing numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain that can interfere with daily activities and work. While many people associate chiropractic care only with the spine, chiropractic—especially Gonstead chiropractic—can also play an important role in addressing carpal tunnel symptoms by evaluating the entire nerve system, including the wrists and upper extremities.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This compression can result from repetitive hand use, poor wrist positioning, inflammation, previous injuries, or nerve interference originating higher up in the spine.
Common symptoms include:
Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
Wrist or hand pain, especially at night
Weak grip strength
Dropping objects or difficulty with fine motor tasks
A Chiropractic Perspective on Carpal Tunnel
Chiropractors take a whole-body approach when addressing carpal tunnel symptoms. While the wrist is often the site of pain, nerve irritation can also be influenced by misalignments in the cervical spine (neck), shoulders, elbows, and wrists.
In Gonstead chiropractic, the focus is on identifying specific areas of nerve interference through detailed analysis, including posture, range of motion, and precise palpation. This allows chiropractors to deliver targeted, specific adjustments rather than generalized manipulation.
Gonstead Chiropractic and the Nervous System
The Gonstead system emphasizes:
Precise spinal analysis
Specific, hands-on adjustments
Restoring proper joint motion
Reducing nerve interference
Because the nerves that travel to the hands originate in the neck and upper spine, Gonstead chiropractors often assess these areas when a patient presents with carpal tunnel symptoms. Improving spinal alignment and motion may help reduce nerve irritation that contributes to wrist and hand discomfort.
Extremity Adjusting: Yes, Chiropractors Adjust Wrists
Many people are surprised to learn that chiropractors can also adjust extremities, including the wrists, hands, elbows, and shoulders.
Wrist adjustments may help:
Improve joint mobility
Reduce mechanical stress in the carpal tunnel
Support proper alignment of the small wrist bones
Promote healthier movement patterns
When combined with spinal adjustments, extremity care addresses both the source and the site of nerve irritation.
Why Chiropractic May Be a Conservative Option
For individuals looking to avoid medications or surgery, chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing carpal tunnel symptoms. Treatment plans are customized and may include:
Gonstead spinal adjustments
Wrist and upper extremity adjustments
Ergonomic and posture guidance
Activity modifications to reduce strain
When to Seek Chiropractic Care
If you’re experiencing persistent wrist pain, numbness, or tingling—especially if it’s affecting your sleep or work—it may be time to seek a chiropractic evaluation. Early intervention can help address underlying issues before symptoms worsen.
Final Thoughts
Carpal tunnel syndrome isn’t just a wrist problem—it’s often a nerve and movement issue involving the spine and upper extremities. Gonstead chiropractic care, combined with precise wrist and extremity adjustments, focuses on restoring proper alignment and nerve function to support long-term relief and better hand health.
If you’re struggling with carpal tunnel symptoms, chiropractic care may be a valuable part of your solution.
