Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Care in Portland & Hood River

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage at the wrist that the median nerve and finger tendons pass through. When pressure in the tunnel increases, the nerve can be compressed.

Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome

• Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger
• Symptoms that wake you at night
• Weak grip or dropping things
• Hand pain spreading up the forearm

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Repetitive wrist motion, prolonged wrist bending, pregnancy, diabetes, thyroid conditions and arthritis can contribute. Nerve irritation at the neck can also produce or add to symptoms.

When should you see a doctor right away?

Most carpal tunnel syndrome is not an emergency, but some symptoms need immediate medical care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room — rather than booking a chiropractic visit — if you have any of the following:

• Severe pain, deformity or inability to use the limb after a fall or injury
• A hot, red, swollen joint, especially with fever
• Sudden numbness, coldness or color change in the limb
• Calf swelling and pain, which can signal a blood clot
• Constant numbness or visible thumb muscle wasting

How chiropractic care may help carpal tunnel syndrome

Your doctor checks the wrist, elbow and neck. Care may include adjustments to the wrist and related areas, StemWave for soft-tissue tension, nerve-friendly exercises and ergonomic changes. Severe or persistent cases are referred for medical evaluation.

Services used for carpal tunnel syndrome:

• Chiropractic Adjustments
• StemWave

What to expect at ALVIS

Care for carpal tunnel syndrome at ALVIS Chiropractic follows three simple steps, starting with a free consultation. Nothing is decided until the doctor has heard your story and examined you, and there's no obligation to begin care.

1. 1Free consultation: tell the doctor about your carpal tunnel syndrome — when it started, what makes it better or worse, and your goals.
2. 2Exam: a hands-on chiropractic exam, with X-rays or other imaging reviewed or referred if needed, to identify the likely source and rule out red flags.
3. 3Personalized plan: the doctor explains the findings and recommends a plan, which may include chiropractic care, StemWave, home exercises or — in Portland — spinal decompression, or a referral if another provider is a better fit.

At-home tips while you heal

These general tips are safe for most people. Stop anything that clearly worsens your symptoms and ask your doctor what's right for you.

• Keep wrists neutral when typing.
• Avoid sleeping with wrists bent; a night splint may help.
• Take breaks from repetitive hand tasks.
• Shake out your hands and do gentle nerve glides your doctor recommends.