Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Treatment in Oxford
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, tingling, and numbness in the wrist and hand. The symptoms are local, but the cause is often not. At Northwood Chiropractic, we use the Gonstead System to identify the complete root cause and address it precisely.
Oxford Chiropractor
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This produces pain, numbness, tingling, and pins and needles, typically in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Symptoms are often worse at night and can make gripping, typing, and other hand activities very difficult.
While CTS typically affects one side, it can occasionally occur in both wrists. What is less commonly understood is that the wrist is rarely the only factor involved. The median nerve does not begin at the wrist. It originates from the cervical spine, travels through the shoulder, down the arm, past the elbow, and through the wrist. Dysfunction anywhere along this pathway can contribute to the symptoms felt at the end of it.
This is why our assessment looks at the whole picture rather than focusing solely on the wrist. Identifying where the underlying dysfunction is occurring is the essential first step to resolving it.
Common Symptoms
- Numbness, tingling, or pins and needles in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Pain in the wrist or palm, sometimes extending up the forearm
- Symptoms that are often worse at night or on waking
- Weakness in grip strength or difficulty with fine motor tasks
- Tendency to drop objects due to weakness or loss of sensation
- Symptoms triggered or worsened by prolonged typing, driving, or gripping
- Relief when shaking or moving the hand (classic sign of CTS)
- Occasionally both wrists affected simultaneously
Why the Neck and Arm
Matter in CTS
The median nerve, which is compressed in carpal tunnel syndrome, originates from the lower cervical spine. Misalignment of the vertebrae in the neck can directly irritate this nerve higher up, making the entire nerve more sensitive and more susceptible to compression further down at the wrist.
This is known as the double crush phenomenon — when a nerve is compressed at two points along its pathway, the cumulative effect on symptoms is significantly greater than either compression alone would produce. Addressing only the wrist leaves the cervical component untreated, which is why many cases of CTS fail to fully resolve or recur after treatment.
Similarly, dysfunction in the elbow or shoulder can alter the mechanics of the upper limb, changing how load and tension is distributed along the nerve pathway and contributing to symptoms at the wrist.
Nerve roots C6 and C7 contribute to the median nerve. Misalignment here sensitises the nerve before it even reaches the wrist
Dysfunction in the shoulder joint alters upper limb mechanics, changing how the nerve is loaded and tensioned as it travels down the arm
The nerve passes through the pronator teres muscle at the elbow, which can become a secondary compression site, particularly when the shoulder or neck is also compromised
The final compression point, where the median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel. Often not the only site involved, which is why isolated wrist treatment frequently provides incomplete relief
Chiropractic Treatment
for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Our approach to CTS is holistic by necessity. Because the underlying cause is frequently not limited to the wrist, our five-step assessment examines the entire upper limb and the cervical spine to identify every contributing factor before any treatment begins.
Once the root cause is clearly defined, we can address it precisely, removing the underlying load and nerve irritation that is sustaining the symptoms. This is how we achieve not only good results, but lasting ones.
- 1
Full Health History
Understanding when symptoms began, what aggravates them, and any relevant history of neck, shoulder, or elbow problems.
- 2
Cervical Spine Assessment
Nervoscope scanning and structural analysis to identify any misalignment in the lower cervical spine contributing to median nerve sensitisation.
- 3
Upper Limb Assessment
Assessment of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist for mechanical dysfunction, nerve tension, and secondary compression sites along the median nerve pathway.
- 4
Neurological Testing
Reflex, sensation, and strength testing to confirm median nerve involvement and rule out conditions that may require referral.
- 5
Results and Personalised Plan
At your second visit, we explain exactly what we found and present a clear care plan addressing every contributing factor identified, with ergonomic and activity advice where relevant.
He works methodically to pinpoint the root cause of issues and goes about fixing them with a long term approach that makes all the difference. Just all around a gift to those who need healing and pain relief.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome FAQs
Can a Chiropractor help with carpal tunnel syndrome?
Yes. CTS frequently has contributing factors beyond the wrist itself, including nerve sensitisation from the cervical spine and joint dysfunction in the elbow and shoulder. By identifying and addressing these upstream factors alongside any local wrist dysfunction, Chiropractic care can resolve the underlying cause rather than simply managing symptoms. Cases that have not responded to wrist splints or local physiotherapy often benefit significantly from a full upper limb and spinal assessment.
What is the double crush phenomenon?
The double crush phenomenon refers to a nerve being compressed at two separate points along its pathway. When this occurs, the cumulative effect on symptoms is significantly greater than either compression alone would produce. In the context of CTS, cervical spine misalignment can sensitise the median nerve higher up, making it far more vulnerable to compression at the wrist. This is a key reason why treating only the wrist often produces incomplete or temporary results.
Is carpal tunnel syndrome always caused by the wrist?
No. While symptoms are felt in the wrist and hand, the cause is frequently not limited to the wrist alone. The median nerve originates from the lower cervical spine and can be compromised at multiple points along its pathway including the neck, shoulder, and elbow. This is why a thorough assessment of the entire upper limb and cervical spine is essential before concluding the cause is purely local.
Do I need surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Surgery is not always necessary and should generally be considered after conservative options have been fully explored. Chiropractic care, when addressing both the local and spinal contributors, can produce significant improvement in many cases. If your assessment indicates a degree of severity that warrants surgical referral, we will advise you accordingly and direct you to the appropriate specialist.
Can carpal tunnel syndrome affect both hands?
Yes, though it more commonly affects one side. When both wrists are involved, it strengthens the case for a spinal component, as a purely local cause is less likely to produce bilateral symptoms. A thorough cervical spine assessment is particularly important in bilateral cases.
Do I need a GP referral to see a Chiropractor for carpal tunnel syndrome?
No. Chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners and you can book directly without a GP referral. If your assessment reveals anything outside our scope of care, we will refer you to the appropriate professional promptly.
feeling better?
