Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

 

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Melrose Park

Evidence-Based Chiropractic Care at Spine Chiropractic Melrose Park

If you've been waking up with numb hands, dropping objects more often or noticing tingling in your thumb and fingers, you may have been told you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).

One of the most common questions I hear is:

"Is the problem definitely coming from my wrist?"

The answer is—not always.

Although Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist, symptoms such as numbness, tingling and hand weakness can also arise from the neck, shoulder or other areas along the nerve pathway.

That's why I believe every patient deserves a comprehensive assessment before treatment begins.

At Spine Chiropractic Melrose Park, my goal is to identify the source of your symptoms, explain what's happening in simple language and develop an evidence-based treatment plan that supports your recovery and helps you return to work, sport and everyday activities with confidence.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist formed by bones and a strong ligament.

Running through this tunnel are:

  • The median nerve

  • Nine flexor tendons that help move your fingers

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome develops when pressure increases within the tunnel, compressing the median nerve.

This pressure may interfere with normal nerve function, leading to pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms often develop gradually and may include:

  • Tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers

  • Numbness in the hand

  • Burning sensations

  • Pain that wakes you at night

  • Weak grip strength

  • Dropping objects

  • Difficulty opening jars

  • Clumsiness with fine hand movements

  • Hand fatigue during repetitive tasks

Some people notice symptoms mainly while driving, typing or holding a phone.

Common Causes

Several factors may contribute to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, including:

  • Repetitive hand movements

  • Office or computer work

  • Pregnancy

  • Diabetes

  • Thyroid disorders

  • Wrist fractures

  • Arthritis

  • Swelling around the wrist

  • Repetitive manual work

  • Vibrating tools

Often, more than one factor is involved.

Risk Factors

You may be more likely to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome if you:

  • Spend long hours typing

  • Perform repetitive hand movements

  • Use vibrating machinery

  • Are pregnant

  • Have diabetes

  • Have thyroid disease

  • Have rheumatoid arthritis

  • Have previously injured your wrist

  • Perform repetitive factory or trade work

Looking Beyond the Wrist

One thing I always explain to patients is that not every numb hand is caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Symptoms may also be related to:

  • Cervical nerve irritation

  • Thoracic outlet syndrome

  • Pronator teres syndrome

  • Peripheral neuropathy

  • Tendon disorders

  • Shoulder dysfunction

This is why a thorough assessment is so important before deciding on treatment.

How We Assess Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Your consultation begins with understanding your symptoms, work demands and daily activities.

Your assessment may include:

  • Medical history

  • Neck examination

  • Shoulder assessment

  • Elbow examination

  • Wrist mobility assessment

  • Neurological examination

  • Muscle strength testing

  • Sensation testing

  • Grip strength assessment

  • Functional testing

  • Orthopaedic tests for median nerve irritation

If nerve conduction studies, ultrasound or referral are appropriate, this will be discussed with you.

Evidence-Based Chiropractic Care

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Your management plan may include:

  • Chiropractic care where clinically appropriate

  • Activator Methods®

  • Diversified Technique

  • Soft tissue therapy

  • Nerve gliding exercises

  • Wrist mobility exercises

  • Ergonomic advice

  • Postural correction

  • Exercise prescription

  • Activity modification

When appropriate, we work closely with your GP or hand specialist to ensure coordinated care.

Why Posture Matters

Many people don't realise that prolonged desk work can influence more than just the wrist.

Poor posture may contribute to increased tension around the neck and shoulders, affecting how nerves travel into the arm.

For some patients, improving posture, workstation ergonomics and shoulder mobility forms an important part of reducing unnecessary stress throughout the upper limb.

From Dr Nasim

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping patients understand why they're experiencing symptoms—not just telling them they have a diagnosis.

Many people arrive convinced they need surgery because they've read about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome online.

Sometimes surgery is the right option, particularly in more severe or progressive cases.

However, many people benefit from a comprehensive assessment to determine exactly where the problem is coming from and what conservative treatment options may be appropriate.

My goal is always to guide you honestly. If I believe your symptoms require further investigation or referral, I'll discuss that with you.

Home Advice

Depending on your condition, recommendations may include:

  • Taking regular breaks from repetitive tasks

  • Adjusting your workstation

  • Gentle nerve gliding exercises

  • Stretching

  • Improving posture

  • Modifying activities that aggravate symptoms

  • Wearing a wrist splint at night if recommended

  • Following your rehabilitation programme

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Seek prompt medical assessment if you experience:

  • Progressive hand weakness

  • Constant numbness

  • Significant muscle wasting at the base of the thumb

  • Severe trauma

  • Loss of hand function

  • Symptoms affecting both hands with other neurological signs

Myth vs Fact

❌ Myth

Every numb hand is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

✅ Fact

Numbness and tingling can arise from several conditions, including nerve irritation in the neck, shoulder, elbow or wrist. A thorough assessment is essential to identify the most likely cause.

Did You Know?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common peripheral nerve compression conditions worldwide. Early assessment and appropriate management may help prevent symptoms from progressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can chiropractic care help Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Some people with musculoskeletal contributors to their symptoms may benefit from chiropractic care as part of an individualised management plan. Assessment is important to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate.

Will I need surgery?

Not everyone requires surgery. Some people improve with conservative management, while others with severe or progressive nerve compression may be referred to a hand surgeon.

Is typing the only cause?

No. Although repetitive typing can contribute in some people, many other factors—including pregnancy, diabetes, arthritis and repetitive manual work—may also increase the risk.

Can neck problems cause similar symptoms?

Yes. Nerve irritation originating from the neck can sometimes produce symptoms that resemble Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which is why we assess the entire upper limb and cervical spine.

Can pregnancy cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Yes. Hormonal changes and fluid retention during pregnancy can contribute to increased pressure within the carpal tunnel, leading to temporary symptoms for some women.

Why Choose Spine Chiropractic Melrose Park?

At Spine Chiropractic Melrose Park, we believe effective treatment starts with understanding the whole person—not just the painful wrist.

Dr Nasim Vesalpour has over 16 years of clinical experience assessing and managing neck pain, upper limb conditions and nerve-related musculoskeletal problems. Every consultation includes a comprehensive assessment to identify contributing factors before developing a personalised treatment plan.

Our approach includes:

✔ Evidence-based chiropractic care

✔ Comprehensive one-on-one assessments

✔ Diversified & Activator Methods®

✔ Rehabilitation and exercise prescription

✔ Ergonomic and postural advice

✔ Nerve mobility exercises

✔ Collaboration with GPs, neurologists and hand surgeons when appropriate

✔ English & Farsi consultations

Related Conditions

You may also be interested in:

  • Neck Pain

  • Tennis Elbow

  • Shoulder Pain

  • TMJ Dysfunction

  • Joint Pain

  • Sports Injuries

  • Postural Problems

Book an Appointment

If numbness, tingling or hand pain is affecting your work, sleep or everyday activities, we'd love to help.

Book an appointment with Dr Nasim Vesalpour at Spine Chiropractic Melrose Park for a comprehensive assessment and a personalised evidence-based treatment plan designed to identify the cause of your symptoms and help you get back to doing the things you enjoy.