Can a Chiropractor Do Anything for Carpal Tunnel?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects the hands and wrists, often causing numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain. Many people assume surgery or medication are the only solutions, but chiropractic care offers non-invasive options that can help address both symptoms and underlying causes.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This compression can result from repetitive hand motions, prolonged computer use, poor posture, inflammation, or biomechanical imbalances in the wrist, elbow, shoulder, or even the neck.

Common symptoms include:

• Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers

• Hand or wrist pain that may worsen at night

• Weak grip strength or difficulty holding objects

• Pain that radiates up the arm

Because the median nerve originates in the neck and travels through the shoulder, arm, and wrist, nerve irritation can occur at multiple points.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Carpal Tunnel

Chiropractic care takes a whole-body approach to carpal tunnel syndrome. Rather than focusing only on the wrist, a chiropractor evaluates the spine, shoulders, elbows, and wrists to identify areas contributing to nerve compression.

Chiropractic treatment for carpal tunnel may include:

• Spinal and extremity adjustments to improve joint mobility and reduce nerve irritation

• Wrist and forearm mobilization to decrease pressure on the median nerve

• Postural correction to address neck and shoulder tension that affects nerve pathways

• Soft tissue therapy to relieve muscle tightness and inflammation

• Ergonomic and lifestyle guidance to reduce repetitive strain

By improving alignment and reducing inflammation, chiropractic care helps restore proper nerve function and may slow or prevent the progression of symptoms.

The Role of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is an advanced, non-surgical treatment that can be especially effective for stubborn or chronic carpal tunnel symptoms. ESWT uses targeted acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing response.

ESWT may help by:

• Increasing blood flow to damaged tissues

• Reducing inflammation around the median nerve

• Breaking down scar tissue and adhesions

• Promoting cellular repair and tissue regeneration

For patients who have not found relief with traditional treatments, ESWT can be a powerful complement to chiropractic care. When combined, these therapies address both mechanical alignment issues and soft tissue damage contributing to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Schedule a Consultation at Campion Chiropractic Clinic

By addressing nerve compression, joint dysfunction, posture, and soft tissue inflammation, chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and drug-free approach to carpal tunnel syndrome. Advanced treatments like Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy further enhance healing and may help patients find lasting relief without surgery.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, the team at Campion Chiropractic Clinic is here to help. Visit our office in College Station, Texas, or call (979) 464-4400 to schedule a consultation today.