Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain that radiate down one or both arms into the fingers. While many patients are led to believe that the cause lies solely in the wrist, this misconception often leads to unnecessary surgeries. In reality, carpal tunnel syndrome is often a result of various factors involving the spine, elbow, and wrist. Addressing only one of these causes is insufficient in most cases. Let’s explore the major root causes and how they can be effectively treated.

Muscle Impingement and Nerve Communication

One of the contributing factors to carpal tunnel syndrome is muscle impingement, where tight muscles in the forearm can compress and impair nerve communication. In our office, we perform a simple test to identify the involvement of these muscles. By gently pressing on specific muscle points, we can determine if they aggravate the condition. If the muscle is tight and contributing to the symptoms, we will focus on loosening it to relieve tension. Additionally, scar tissue resulting from previous arm and shoulder injuries can also contribute to nerve impingement. Targeted soft tissue work can effectively break down this scar tissue, providing relief for patients.

Wrist Bone Alignment

Proper alignment of the wrist bones is crucial for maintaining a healthy nerve supply to the hand. When one or more wrist bones are misaligned, direct pressure can be exerted on the nerve running through the wrist, leading to numbness and tingling. By examining the wrist and realigning the bones, we can address this specific cause and eliminate carpal tunnel syndrome if it is indeed the underlying issue. A thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the role of wrist bone misalignment in your symptoms.

The Role of Chronic Forward Posture

Chronic forward posture plays a significant role in carpal tunnel syndrome. Poor posture is a result of two primary factors: misalignment and forward movement of the bones in the spine, as well as the formation of internal spinal scar tissue. ABC™ technique focuses on identifying and correcting these issues. When the spine moves forward, it creates tension within the spinal cord and brainstem. This tension extends peripherally to the exiting nerves, particularly those down the arm. The nerve tension decreases nerve communication, resulting in numbness and tingling sensations. By moving the bones backward and eliminating internal scar tissue, the ABC™ technique can alleviate nerve tension and address the root cause of carpal tunnel symptoms.