Carpal Tunnel: hidden causes and self treatment options

Carpal Tunnel affects millions of individuals and tends to be very chronic and difficult to treat.  Part of the problem with CTS is that the treatment focuses on the hand symptoms, and many times fails to address the multiple causes further “upstream”.  The reality is that many times Carpal Tunnel symptoms emerge when neural compression in multiple areas reaches above threshold and becomes symptomatic.  The carpal tunnel region may be the straw that broke the Camels back. 

There are many regions from the cervical spine to the carpal tunnel where nerves can be compressed.  Cervical Nerve root, under the Pec Minor, compression in the brachial plexus from muscle tightness (Teres Major, Latissimus Dorsi, Pec Major), through the forearm (pronator teres Syndrome) and finally the Carpal Tunnel.  This is referred to as a Double Crush Syndrome, and it is very common for the hand pain and numbness to be coming from multiple regions.  The median nerve can be compressed anywhere along this chain. 

I use the  Wave Tool to treat muscle tightness associated with CTS, in addition to the traditional treatments of bodywork, Physical Therapy, stretching, activity and work modification.

When I use the Wave Tool, I make sure to treat several regions.  First off, it feels great to dig into your hands to increase blood flow and neural imput.  Secondly, its important to treat the forearms, pectoral region, and even the scalenes and Upper trapezius.  Make sure to NOT irritate the nerve at the Carpal tunnel to the point of feeling zingy or nervy.

My other favorite additions to treatment include chest opener on the foam roller, nerve glides, cervical Range of motion, and thoracic mobility exercises.  Lastly, its important to seek professional evaluation if you are not sure of the cause of your hand pain.  A good Physical Therapist can help look at the entire chain to determine the cause of your hand pain or numbness.