A study on workers reported over 139,000 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome cases in just eight years, affecting 6.3 workers per 10,000 full-time employees. Women experienced the condition 3.3 times more often than men.
The same study also saw people who work in industries like textile manufacturing and meat processing reported rates nearly seven times higher than average.
In my Wheat Ridge clinic, I’ve treated patients with similar work patterns. The good news is, when we identify and address the cause early on, we can often restore normal nerve function, reduce symptoms like nerve pain, and help you avoid permanent damage.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid passageway in the wrist. Its back (dorsal side) is formed by the curved arrangement of the carpal bones, and its front (volar side) and a band of tissue called the transverse carpal ligament.
Inside the tunnel are the median nerve and nine flexor tendons.If the tunnel’s space becomes smaller or the tissues inside swell, the pressure inside increases.
This can compress the median nerve, affecting its ability to control the thumb muscles and provide sensation to other parts of your hand.
When the median nerve is compressed, you might notice:
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger
- Hand weakness, especially when gripping objects
- Pain or burning in the wrist or palm that may radiate up the arm
- Nighttime discomfort, often waking you up with tingling or pain
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks, like buttoning clothes or writing
- A “shock-like” sensation that travels into the fingers
Common Causes We See in Wheat Ridge, CO
When structural changes to bones, joints, tendons, or surrounding tissues reduce tunnel volume or increase intracompartmental pressure, the nerve’s microvascular supply suffers Here’s how specific conditions contribute:
Dislocation or Subluxation of the Carpal Bones
A shift in the carpal bones, especially the lunate or capitate can narrow the tunnel and mechanically deform the median nerve. Even a subtle ligament injury can alter carpal alignment enough to provoke symptoms.
In simpler terms, a small wrist bone moves out of place and presses on the nerve.
Wrist Fractures
A fracture that heals the wrong way such as that of a malunited Colles’ fracture can change the shape and angle of the wrist bones. This alters the space inside the carpal tunnel, leaving less room for the median nerve and increasing pressure on it.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis can affect the small joints of the wrist, leading to swelling, thickening of the joint lining, and sometimes extra fluid buildup. In the already narrow carpal tunnel, these changes reduce the available space and put pressure on the median nerve.
The inflammation from osteoarthritis also releases chemicals that increase the nerve’s sensitivity.
Cysts or Tumors Within the Tunnel
A ganglion cyst from the flexor tendon sheath or a benign lipoma can act as a space-occupying lesion, exerting focal pressure on the median nerve. Think of it as an unwelcome lump taking up valuable nerve space.
Pregnancy
Increased estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy raise vascular permeability, leading to edema in the synovial tendon sheaths of the wrist. Fluid accumulation elevates carpal tunnel pressure, often worsening at night due to positional fluid shifts. This frequently causes nocturnal paresthesia in the median nerve distribution.
Obesity
Excess body fat can add soft tissue bulk inside the wrist and increase fluid retention, leaving less space for the median nerve. Obesity is also linked to chronic inflammation, which can make the nerve more sensitive to pressure. Together, these factors raise the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Diabetes
High blood sugar over time can stiffen the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel and thicken the tissues around the median nerve. It can also damage the small blood vessels that supply the nerve. These changes increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Vitamin Deficiency and Toxicity
Vitamin B6 deficiency can impair neurotransmitter synthesis and nerve conduction, while excessive B6 can cause sensory neuropathy and exposure to heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury) or organic solvents can cause demyelination or also known as nerve damage.
How We Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at The Disc Chiropractic
Our treatment focuses on four main goals: relieving pressure on the nerve, restoring normal wrist movement, improving nerve function from the neck down, and reducing inflammation in the tissues around the tendons.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Gentle, targeted adjustments to the wrist joints help realign the small carpal bones and the end of the radius. Correcting these subtle shifts especially in bones like the lunate and scaphoid can open up space in the carpal tunnel and improve how the median nerve moves within it.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Nerve irritation can sometimes start higher up in the neck or shoulder before affecting the wrist, a condition called “double-crush syndrome.” Our Triton DTS spinal decompression gently relieves pressure on the cervical spine (C5–T1), improving nerve function and reducing strain along the entire nerve pathway.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy uses focused acoustic waves to break the thickened tendons and the ligament covering the carpal tunnel. This process then reduces calcified scar tissue, improves blood circulation, and eases pressure on the median nerve.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Using a specialized vibration tool called the Rapid Release Pro and massages, we release tension and break up small adhesions in the forearm muscles and tendons that pass through the tunnel. This helps tendons glide more freely and reduces repetitive friction on the nerve.
FAQs About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is the most common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome?
The most common cause is swelling or thickening of the tendons that pass through the carpal tunnel in your wrist. This can be from repetitive hand use, inflammation, or health conditions that increase fluid retention, which puts pressure on the median nerve.
Can carpal tunnel syndrome go away without treatment?
In very mild cases, symptoms may improve with rest, activity changes, and wrist splinting. However, most moderate or long-standing cases require targeted care to prevent the condition from getting worse and to avoid permanent nerve damage.
How do I know if I have carpal tunnel syndrome or another nerve problem?
Carpal tunnel syndrome specifically affects the median nerve, so symptoms often include numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. If symptoms extend beyond this area or involve weakness in the whole arm, another nerve pathway—such as in the neck or elbow—may be involved. A proper evaluation is the only way to confirm.
How long does it take to recover from carpal tunnel syndrome?
Recovery time depends on how severe your nerve compression is and how long you’ve had symptoms. Mild cases can improve in a few weeks with consistent care, while more chronic cases may take several months. Early treatment usually leads to faster results.
What activities should I avoid if I have carpal tunnel syndrome?
Avoid repetitive gripping, twisting, or bending of the wrist—especially with force—until your symptoms improve. This includes heavy typing without breaks, using vibrating tools, or lifting objects with bent wrists.
Is surgery the only solution for carpal tunnel syndrome?
No. Many patients recover fully without surgery through a combination of nerve decompression, joint mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and activity modifications. Surgery is generally reserved for severe cases that don’t respond to conservative care.
Take the First Step With Just $97
I’ve treated countless patients struggling with the daily frustration of carpal tunnel syndrome. Every case is unique, which is why I take the time to evaluate your nerve pathways, joint alignment, and soft tissue health before recommending a plan.
My goal is to help you return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks without fear of pain or weakness slowing you down.
Book your $97 First Visit today — includes a detailed consultation, full spinal and nerve evaluations, and a custom care recommendation. Call: 720-573-4910