Posted on 17th Nov 2011 @ 4:45 AM

Carpal tunnel is a disease of the wrist. The pain, numbness, and tingling it causes come from the wrist, where the median nerve is compressed due to repetitive motions like typing, playing an instrument, or using machinery. It might surprise you, then, to learn that many chiropractors claim to be able to treat carpal tunnel syndrome -- some without ever touching the wrist itself. 

Treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome usually focus on decreasing the swelling in the wrist, and retraining the sufferer to prevent future injury. Home treatments include ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, and ergonomic improvements such as keyboards and mouse trays. Doctors may prescribe splints, rest, and, as a last resort, surgery.

Of course, most of us would rather avoid surgery. Enter chiropractors, who say that they can treat carpal tunnel syndrome without drugs, surgery, or injections.

Common chiropractic treatments for carpal tunnel include:

Wrist splints: Like your trusty neighborhood MD, chiropractors often advocate splints or braces to keep the wrist in the proper alignment.

Ultrasound: Some chiropractors use ultrasound to relax muscles and reduce inflammation.

Manipulation of the wrist or spine: The spine is the center of the chiropractor's practice. By correcting misalignments in the spine, they treat a variety of conditions, including carpal tunnel. The goal is to treat the median nerve where it leaves the spinal cord at the lower part of the neck, before it even reaches the wrist.

Two recent studies supported chiropractors' claims of success treating carpal tunnel syndrome. The first study showed significant improvement in strength and range of motion after chiropractic treatment. The participants also reported a significant reduction in pain.

The second study compared chiropractic treatment with "traditional" (i.e. western) medical treatment such as splints and anti-inflammatories. The participants seemed to show equal improvement with both treatment methods.

If you do decide to see a chiropractor to treat your carpal tunnel syndrome, look for someone who is willing to coordinate care with your regular doctor or a specialist, if necessary. As always, avoid anyone who claims to be able to treat unrelated diseases (e.g. eye problems, learning disabilities, or serious systemic illnesses) with chiropractic care.