Chances are good that you or someone you know has been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, but what exactly is carpal tunnel syndrome? Here is the official definition, courtesy of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke:

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful progressive condition caused by compression of a key nerve in the wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. Symptoms usually start gradually, with pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day, and decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks. In some cases no direct cause of the syndrome can be identified. Most likely the disorder is due to a congenital predisposition - the carpal tunnel is simply smaller in some people than in others. However, the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome is especially common in those performing assembly line work.

Unfortunately, many cases of carpal tunnel syndrome are not actually carpal tunnel syndrome and, as such, won't be "cured" by the common carpal tunnel solutions, such as surgery. Often after the surgery is performed, the symptoms return once the patient returns to work, leading one to logically assume that carpal tunnel syndrome probably wasn't the real problem. Many of the symptoms that mimic carpal tunnel syndrome are are actually a result of poor posture, and therefore require a different approach.

Sitting at a computer all day or working on a factory line generally requires workers to hold their arms in front of them, leading to slumped shoulders and a forward neck/head position. Holding this position for hours on end, day after day, creates problems for the body. The chest muscles become chronically shortened if they aren't stretched out frequently & consistently, which then means that the back muscles are chronically overstretched, & become weak. This then results in consistently poor posture, both at & away from work. The shortened chest muscles place pressure on a set of nerves that travel to the arms, wrists & hands (the brachial plexus). This pressure can then eventually result in arm/wrist/hand numbness, tingling, pain, heaviness, weakness and more, leading to the frequent misdiagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Operating on the wrist to create space will not fix the root of the problem in these cases, which is poor posture, which is why the symptoms often seem to reappear after the patient returns to work. Correcting the postural issues through a consistent stretching program along with some type of manual therapy, such as massage, is much more likely to resolve the issue.

If you find yourself with these problems, make sure to discuss the options with your doctor, and get a second opinion. There are simple tests that your doctor can perform to determine whether you have true carpal tunnel syndrome or some type of impingement of the brachial plexus.

Whether you are diagnosed with true carpal tunnel syndrome or brachial plexus impingement, massage can help. We can help loosen up the afflicted muscles through stretches & massage, while showing you which muscles need to be strengthened, and we can examine your posture to come up with the best treatment plan for your situation. If you are concerned about any of these issues, you don't need a diagnosis to come in for a massage or an evaluation, but as massage therapists, we are not permitted to make a diagnosis ourselves.

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Please remember, we are not medical doctors, and the information above should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your medical doctor prior to beginning any treatment.