What carpal tunnel syndrome is
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage on the palm side of the wrist. Nine finger tendons and the median nerve share it, and when the tendon sheaths swell or the wrist is held bent for long periods, the nerve gets crowded. The result is tingling, numbness or burning in the thumb, index and middle fingers, often worse at night or while gripping a phone, a steering wheel or a tool. It is common in pregnancy, with repetitive hand work and with some medical conditions your physician will check for.
Not every numb hand is carpal tunnel
- Numb ring and little fingers point to the ulnar nerve, often at the elbow (cubital tunnel).
- Symptoms with neck movement, or into the whole arm, can come from a nerve root in the neck; see pinched nerve and neck pain.
- Arms that go numb with overhead reaching may point to the thoracic outlet, under the collarbone.
- Numbness in both hands and both feet may be a neuropathy, which your physician should evaluate.
How we work with it
We test sensation, grip and nerve tension from the neck down, then treat the places that crowd the nerve. Dry needling and orthopedic acupuncture reach the forearm flexors, the pronator, and the scalenes and pectoralis minor when the neck or chest is involved. Active Release Techniques with median and ulnar nerve glides help the nerve slide again. Electro-acupuncture is added when numbness is constant, and functional movement corrections look at desk, tool and sleep positions.
We track night waking, which fingers are numb, and pinch and grip strength.
Questions people ask
Can acupuncture help carpal tunnel syndrome?
It may help with the tingling, numbness and aching, and research on acupuncture for mild to moderate carpal tunnel is ongoing. Here it is combined with nerve-glide work and changes to how you use your hands, rather than needling alone.
Why do my hands go numb at night?
Most people curl their wrists while they sleep, which raises pressure inside the carpal tunnel. Many find a neutral wrist at night helps, and your physician may suggest a splint; treatment can continue while you wear one.
Could my numb fingers be coming from my neck?
Sometimes. Nerve roots in the lower neck supply the hand, and a nerve already irritated at the neck may be more sensitive at the wrist. Which fingers are numb, and what neck movement does, help tell them apart.
Should I have a nerve conduction test?
Your physician decides that. Constant numbness, weakness or a thumb muscle that looks thinner are reasons to have it checked promptly. If you have test results, bring them.
This is general wellness information, not medical advice.
