Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a debilitating disorder caused by irritation or pressure to the median nerve. The median nerve originates in the neck, runs through the shoulder, arm and forearm into the wrist and hand. It is one of the major nerves in the hand that provides sensation and movement for the thumb, index and middle fingers. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) often is described as an aching pain with burning, tingling and numbness in the wrist or hand and, occasionally, in the forearm. In some cases, muscle weakness, swelling and loss of temperature sensation may be present. Patients may begin to drop objects or have difficulty lifting small items or turning doorknobs. It is thought that jobs that require workers to use their hands, wrists, or arms in a repetitive manner tend to have a higher incidence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). But renowned hand surgeon Dr. Charles Eaton says there is no scientific evidence that shows such activities actually cause carpal tunnel syndrome.



Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) & The Cervical Spine

Problems in the neck or cervical spine can be as simple as poor posture and muscle tension, or as serious as disc bulges, arthritis, or spinal misalignments, also referred to as subluxations.  A proper evaluation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) should include an exam of the entire length of the median nerve, starting at the neck and working down to the hands, wrists and fingers. Since the neck is the most common site for Double Crush to occur, a consultation with an upper cervical doctor would be in the best interests of any Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) sufferer, especially if they have been recommended for carpal tunnel surgery. The purpose of upper cervical care is to correct misalignments in the neck that produce irritation to the nerve roots that extends to the wrist, hands and fingers. Clinical findings have discovered that this can prevent the need for surgery.

Medical Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

The standard medical treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) may include braces, splints, over-the-counter or prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), vitamin B6, cortisone injections, or surgery. Unfortunately, drugs have potential side effects and surgery is not always successful. In fact, three separate studies published in the Journal of Hand Surgery followed the failure rate of some of the common treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). One study revealed that wrist splints and NSAIDs had an 82.6% failure rate while another showed steroid injections had a 72.6% failure rate. The third study showed an average failure rate of 57% in patients that underwent carpal tunnel release surgery.  These failure rates support the idea that the actual cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) in the majority of patients might be nerve irritation at a site away from the wrist, as is the case with Double Crush Syndrome.

Double Crush Syndrome & Carpal Tunnel

Stress to the median nerve commonly begins in the neck, where the median nerve begins. The nerve is then aggravated by added pressure or irritation anywhere from the neck to the wrist, which can then cause symptoms in the hand and fingers. This is called “Double Crush syndrome” and is widely referenced in the scientific and medical research journals as a consistent finding in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Pressure or irritation to the nerve roots as they exit the neck makes the median nerve more vulnerable to injury at the wrist. A growing number of studies suggest that the Double Crush phenomenon is one of the most common causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). The prestigious medical journal The Lancet found that nearly 7 of every 10 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) patients had nerve irritation in the neck. Another study found that 89% of carpal tunnel sufferers also had arthritis in the neck. Both studies suggest the vast majority of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) patients actually have Double Crush phenomena. This would explain the high failure rates when it comes to medical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome. Treatments directed solely at the wrist neglect possible nerve irritation and/or compression in the neck, which renders the lower nerves in the wrist more susceptible to injury. In this case, it is essential to first correct the cervical problem to allow the wrist condition to fully heal. A similar phenomenon can also occur with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) and cervical radiculopathy (tingling, pain down the arms).

Upper Cervical Health Centers of America is a nationwide group of Doctors expertly trained in the Upper Cervical procedure. They have helped thousands of patients regain their health and get their life back. They are dedicated to helping patients just like you who suffer from carpal tunnel symptoms, chronic headaches, migraines and other ailments and diseases caused by brain stem malfunction.   


And right now, as part of a community outreach program, our office is offering a FREE consultation  to determine if you are a candidate for Upper Cervical care. 

WHAT DO I DO NOW? 
Call our office (208) 559-0541 or click here to contact us via email. That IS it. 

Dr. Grayson Blom, B.Sc., D.C.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Specialist
5975 Overland Rd.
Boise, Idaho 83709

**The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present. **