Condition
Carpal tunnel syndrome: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to carpal tunnel syndrome — causes, symptoms, and conservative treatment.
- Wrist & Hand
Quick answer
Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing tingling, numbness and sometimes weakness in the hand. Mild to moderate cases often improve with splinting, activity changes and nerve-gliding exercises, while severe cases may need further intervention.
Key facts
- It is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist.
- Classic symptoms affect the thumb, index and middle fingers, often worse at night.
- Mild to moderate cases often respond to conservative care.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve as it passes through a narrow tunnel at the wrist.
The pressure disrupts the nerve's signals to part of the hand. It can be linked to repetitive wrist use, fluid retention, pregnancy, or other health conditions.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Typical symptoms are tingling and numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers, often worse at night.
- Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Symptoms that wake you at night or are worse in the morning
- A weakened grip or tendency to drop things
- Discomfort that can extend up the forearm
How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?
Mild to moderate carpal tunnel is treated with wrist splinting (especially at night), activity changes and nerve-gliding exercises.
Addressing wrist posture and aggravating activities helps many people. Severe or persistent cases with significant weakness may need referral for further options such as injection or surgery.
At Postura Wellness, care for carpal tunnel syndrome is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
Constant numbness, wasting of the muscles at the base of the thumb, or significant hand weakness suggests more advanced nerve compression and should be assessed promptly.
Get a clear plan for your carpal tunnel syndrome
Book an assessment at either branch and get a tailored plan.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified clinician about your individual condition.
Sources
- Joint Disorders — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Injuries and Wounds — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Health Topics — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Bones, Joints and Muscles — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Muscle and Bone Diseases — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Orthopedic services — MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia