If you’re experiencing persistent hand or wrist pain, numbness, or tingling, you might be dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a condition that becomes more common with age, especially among those who use their hands repetitively for work or hobbies.
Fortunately, chiropractic care offers a safe, noninvasive path to relief by restoring balance and function to the joints and soft tissues that affect wrist and hand performance.
Let’s explore carpal tunnel syndrome, its symptoms, and how chiropractic can help, naturally.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Could You Have It?
The carpal tunnel is a small passageway in your wrist that protects the median nerve, which controls sensation and muscle function in your thumb and first three fingers.
When the tissues in this tunnel become swollen or inflamed, they can compress the nerve, leading to symptoms that may affect your quality of life, especially if left untreated.
Common Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
- Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Pain that radiates from the wrist up into the forearm or elbow
- Weak grip strength (e.g., dropping objects or struggling to open jars)
- Burning or “electric shock” sensations in the hand or fingers
- Increased discomfort at night or while the wrist is at rest
Example:
You might notice your fingers go numb while holding the steering wheel, using a computer mouse, or even while reading a book in bed.
If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to speak with a chiropractor who can evaluate the source of your pain and help you take action before it worsens.
3 Reasons Chiropractic Care Helps Relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Chiropractors are trained to address the root causes of nerve compression, not just cover the symptoms. There are several reasons chiropractic care is a wise choice if you’re dealing with CTS; we’ll give you the top three.
Chiropractic Takes a Whole-Body Approach
Chiropractic methods and therapies don’t just focus on the wrist but examine how the spine, shoulders, neck, and posture interact.
Sometimes, carpal tunnel symptoms aren’t just from the wrist. For example:
- A misaligned cervical spine (neck) can irritate the same nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel.
- Poor shoulder mechanics or desk posture may increase strain on the wrist.
Your local chiropractor will assess how your entire body is functioning, ensuring that nothing is adding unnecessary stress to your wrist and hand.
Chiropractic Care Is Safe, Gentle, & Drug-Free
For most patients, avoiding surgery and long-term medication use is a priority.
Chiropractic helps with this, offering:
- Gentle joint adjustments to reduce nerve pressure
- Soft tissue therapy to ease inflammation
- Targeted stretches and strengthening to restore balance
These methods work with your body’s natural healing processes, without the side effects of medication or the risks of surgery.
Example:
Instead of relying on pain relievers that only mask the issue, your chiropractor might use manual wrist adjustments and soft tissue therapies to correct the problem at its source.
You’ll Get Personalized, Practical Advice
Your chiropractor will guide you through simple but powerful lifestyle changes to help prevent the return of carpal tunnel symptoms.
These modifications may include:
- Modifying your workstation setup (e.g., ergonomic mouse or keyboard)
- Stretching exercises to loosen tight wrist and forearm muscles
- Posture and movement coaching to reduce unnecessary wrist strain
- Tips on lifting techniques and hand usage in daily routines
This kind of education is especially helpful if your job or hobbies involve a lot of typing, gripping, or wrist movement.
Our Durham Chiropractors Have Safe Services to Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you’re tired of wrist pain holding you back, our Durham chiropractors are here to help. We’ll begin with a thorough evaluation and build a customized care plan that addresses your symptoms, your lifestyle, and your goals.
With our team, you’ll receive:
- Hands-on treatments to relieve nerve pressure
- Guidance on daily habits and movements
- Lasting relief that doesn’t involve drugs or surgery
The chiropractic solutions we often use to treat carpal tunnel syndrome successfully include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Dry needling
- Cupping therapy
- Manual soft tissue therapies
- Sports injury treatments
- Cold laser therapy
- Shockwave therapy
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
- Personal training
- Orthopedics
- Lifestyle guidance and education
Let’s get you back to doing what you love—without pain.
Contact our Durham chiropractic clinic or book your appointment online. We’re here to help you move, work, and live more comfortably and confidently, the way you’re meant to. Let’s get started!