Dr. Michael Minond

New York City Chiropractor

Holistic Wellness through Advanced Chiropractic and Nutritional Care

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatments

Perhaps you were sitting at your desk working when you noticed a sudden pain that shot from your wrist to your shoulders.

You may have been going about any of your daily activities, trying hard to ignore the tingling sensation you have been feeling in your wrist, hand, and arm, when suddenly, what felt like an electric shock rapidly raced from your hand and wrist into your shoulder. Your are prossibly suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Patient Testimonials

"I was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome about 18 months ago. My neurologist suggested making an appointment with a surgeon and scheduling surgery, but I really didn't want to go that route.

I found Dr. Minond online and decided to give him a try. After a few visits, the numbness in my hand seemed to disappear.

I see Dr. Minond once a week and am so grateful that he has saved me from pain and from surgery."

-Corene, age 31

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Minond

New York City Chiropractor, Dr. Michael Minond

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What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressive disorder that is caused when the main nerve in your wrist is suddenly compressed. The key nerve in your wrist is called the median nerve. This nerve runs from the front of your arm to your wrist and hand. This nerve controls the feeling in the palm of your hand and in all fingers with the exception of the little finger.

The median nerve is also responsible for sending the nerve impulses to the small muscles located in the hand that control movement of the fingers and thumb. The median nerve is contained within the carpal tunnel which is a small, stiff "tunnel" made of ligament and bones at the base of the hand.

Irritated tendons contained in this tunnel may cause swelling and narrow the passageway, causing the median nerve to become compressed, resulting in carpal tunnel pain.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome are characterized by numbness and tingling of the hand, similar to what people experience when their hands or feet "fall asleep." Generally, the tingling sensation is felt in the wrist and fingers. Rarely is it felt in the palm of the hand.

This is because the median nerve runs up the side of the hand and passes away from the palm. This tingling can then gradually progress to a weak feeling in the wrist and fingers, accompanied with pain. Other symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

The inability to grasp objects with the affected hand

Pain that stretches from the wrist to elbow and up into the shoulder

The inability to perform common tasks such as tying your shoes, removing the lid from a jar, or difficulty unlocking a door.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Any type of pressure on the median nerve is a cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. The most common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome I see is what is referred to as a "repetitive stress injury."

Repetitive stress injuries are a result of a person performing the same task over and over again. People who spend long hours a day at a computer are at risk for a repetitive stress injury as are people who work in manufacturing jobs where they assemble objects and those people who play any type of musical instrument daily.

I once had a patient who worked as a security guard who suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome. It turned out that his repetitive stress was the act of twisting his wrist to unlock and lock a gate many times during the course of his shift. Other causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

Obesity

Pregnancy

Arthritis

People suffering from diabetes can also acquire carpal tunnel syndrome. Those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis are also prone to carpal tunnel syndrome. Women who are experiencing hormonal fluctuations such as those found in menopause may experience the narrowing of the carpal tunnel.

Carpal Tunnel in Pregnancy

Carpal tunnel syndrome is highly prevalent in pregnant women, especially during the second trimester of pregnancy. During the second trimester of pregnancy, women are more likely to retain fluid and swell along the joint paths. This swelling and fluid retention can lead to compression of the carpal tunnel, leading to pressure being placed on the median nerve.

Often, carpal tunnel syndrome disappears after giving birth, but in a little under 20 percent of cases, it may linger. What is considered conventional treatment for carpal tunnel in pregnancy is dangerous for the fetus. Many medical doctors recommend localized steroid injections and oral pain medication.

While this treatment is not good for anyone long-term, and only solves the symptoms without curing the cause, it is not a viable solution at all for women who are pregnant. What everyone needs, especially pregnant women, is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that not only relieves the pain, but also allows for return to full activity.

Carpal Tunnel Treatments

I treat the pain and the symptoms, without the use of steroids and pain medications. Our goal is to return you to your full activity as soon as possible. Using a combination of hand and wrist-joint manipulation, prescribing stretching and strengthening exercises, using soft-tissue massage, nutritional supplements, and even Static Yoga can often restore full functionality without needless surgery.