Chiropractic

Chiropractic Care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief

Discover effective treatments through chiropractic care for lasting relief of carpal tunnel syndrome pain and improved function.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes, Chiropractic Care, and Recovery with Dr. Alex Jimenez

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is like that annoying coworker who keeps interrupting your workflow—it’s persistent, uncomfortable, and can make simple tasks feel like climbing Mount Everest. If you’ve ever felt numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands, especially at night or after a long day of typing, you might be dealing with CTS. But don’t worry, you’re not alone, and there’s hope! At Push as Rx Crossfit Fitness Center & Rehabilitation in El Paso, Texas, Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, a board-certified chiropractor and family nurse practitioner, offers a holistic approach to managing CTS and related conditions. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Jimenez combines chiropractic care, functional medicine, and advanced diagnostics to help patients reclaim their lives from pain and dysfunction.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into what causes carpal tunnel syndrome, how it’s linked to the hands, upper extremities, and even the cervical spine, and why chiropractic care can be a game-changer. We’ll also explore how Dr. Jimenez’s expertise in personal injury cases makes him a trusted ally for those navigating the aftermath of accidents. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some practical tips for small lifestyle changes to keep your wrists happy and healthy. So, grab a comfy seat (and maybe give your hands a quick shake), because we’re about to unravel the mystery of CTS!

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm through a narrow passageway in your wrist called the carpal tunnel, gets compressed. This nerve controls sensation and movement in your thumb and first three fingers, so when it’s squeezed, you might feel like your hand is throwing a tantrum—numbness, tingling, or even sharp pain. Imagine your hand saying, “I’m done with this repetitive typing nonsense!” That’s CTS in a nutshell.

The carpal tunnel itself is a tight space made up of bones and a tough band of tissue called the transverse carpal ligament. When something causes swelling or inflammation in this area, it’s like trying to squeeze too many groceries into a tiny bag—the median nerve gets squished, leading to those pesky symptoms. CTS is one of the most common nerve disorders, affecting about 3-6% of adults in the general population (Atroshi et al., 1999,).

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Numbness and Tingling: Often in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. It might feel like your hand is “falling asleep” or buzzing like a phone on vibrate.
  • Pain: Can radiate from the wrist up the arm or down into the fingers. Nighttime pain is common, making you wonder if your wrist is staging a midnight protest.
  • Weakness: Trouble gripping objects, like dropping your coffee mug (not cool!) or struggling to open jars.
  • Burning Sensation: A fiery feeling in the hand that makes you want to dunk it in ice water.

These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and if left untreated, CTS can lead to muscle weakness or even permanent nerve damage. So, let’s not let it get to the point where your hand is staging a full-blown rebellion!

References

Causes and Risk Factors of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

So, what’s making your median nerve so cranky? Carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t just pop up out of nowhere—it’s often the result of a combination of factors that gang up on your wrist like a group of mischievous gremlins. Here are the main culprits:

1. Repetitive Hand Movements

If your job or hobby involves repetitive motions—like typing, assembly line work, or playing an instrument—you’re at higher risk. Think of it like overusing a favorite song; eventually, it starts to wear out. Repetitive wrist flexion and extension can irritate the tendons in the carpal tunnel, leading to swelling that compresses the median nerve (Bongers et al., 2007,).

2. Poor Ergonomics

Slouching over a keyboard or using a mouse that’s as comfortable as a brick can strain your wrists. Poor posture, especially when working at a desk, can misalign your upper body and put extra pressure on the carpal tunnel. Dr. Jimenez often emphasizes the importance of ergonomic setups to prevent this kind of strain (Push as Rx,).

3. Anatomical Factors

Some people are born with a narrower carpal tunnel, making it easier for the median nerve to get pinched. It’s like trying to fit into skinny jeans that are just a tad too tight—there’s not much wiggle room! Women are also more likely to develop CTS due to generally smaller wrist anatomy (Atroshi et al., 1999,).

4. Health Conditions

Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of CTS by causing inflammation or fluid retention:

  • Diabetes: Can damage nerves and increase inflammation.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes joint inflammation that can affect the wrist.
  • Thyroid Disorders: May lead to fluid retention, adding pressure in the carpal tunnel.
  • Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and fluid retention can trigger CTS symptoms, often temporary.

5. Trauma or Injury

A wrist injury, like a sprain or fracture, can cause swelling that narrows the carpal tunnel. This is particularly relevant for personal injury cases, such as those from auto accidents, where trauma can exacerbate or trigger CTS (Jimenez, 2023,).

6. Obesity

Excess body weight can increase pressure on nerves and contribute to inflammation, raising the risk of CTS (Shiri et al., 2009,). Dr. Jimenez’s functional medicine approach often includes weight management strategies to reduce this risk (Push as Rx,).

7. Occupational Factors

Jobs that involve prolonged wrist flexion, vibration (like using power tools), or repetitive gripping are notorious for contributing to CTS. If your job has you wielding a jackhammer or typing like you’re racing against a deadline, your wrists might be begging for a break.

Overlapping Risk Profiles

Many of these factors don’t work alone—they overlap like a messy Venn diagram. For example, someone with diabetes who works a repetitive desk job and has poor posture is practically rolling out the red carpet for CTS. Dr. Jimenez’s integrative approach at Push as Rx addresses these overlapping risks by combining chiropractic adjustments, lifestyle changes, and nutritional counseling to tackle the root causes (Jimenez, LinkedIn,).

References

The Connection Between Hands, Upper Extremities, and the Cervical Spine

You might be wondering, “What does my neck have to do with my wrist?” Well, your body is like a big, interconnected highway system, and a traffic jam in one area can cause delays elsewhere. The hands, upper extremities, and cervical spine (the neck) are closely linked through the nervous system and musculoskeletal structure.

The Role of the Median Nerve

The median nerve starts in the cervical spine (specifically the C5-T1 nerve roots) and travels through the arm, forearm, and into the hand. If there’s a problem in the neck—like a misaligned vertebra or a herniated disc—it can irritate the nerve roots that feed into the median nerve, contributing to CTS symptoms. It’s like a kink in a garden hose; the water (or nerve signal) doesn’t flow properly, and your hand ends up feeling the consequences (El Paso Chiropractor Blog, 2016,).

Posture and Alignment

Poor posture, such as slouching or forward head position, can compress the nerves in the cervical spine, leading to referred pain or tingling in the hands. If you spend hours hunched over a computer, your neck might be sending SOS signals to your wrists. Dr. Jimenez uses chiropractic adjustments to realign the cervical spine, relieving pressure on the nerve roots and improving nerve function down the arm (Push as Rx,).

Muscle Tension and Trigger Points

Tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, or forearms can create trigger points that refer pain to the hands. For example, a tense scalene muscle in the neck might mimic CTS symptoms by compressing nerves or blood vessels. Dr. Jimenez’s team at Push as Rx uses manual therapy to release these trigger points, restoring normal muscle function and reducing symptoms (Jimenez, 2023,).

Biomechanical Chain

The upper extremities work as a kinetic chain—movement or dysfunction in one area affects the others. For instance, a stiff shoulder can alter how you use your wrist, increasing strain on the carpal tunnel. Chiropractic care focuses on restoring alignment and mobility throughout this chain, from the neck to the fingertips, to reduce stress on the median nerve (El Paso Chiropractor Blog, 2016,).

References


Discovering The Benefits of Chiropractic Care- Video


How Chiropractic Care Helps Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Chiropractic care is like a superhero swooping in to save your wrists from the clutches of CTS. Unlike surgery or medications, which can feel like using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut, chiropractic offers a non-invasive, holistic approach to relieve symptoms and address underlying causes. Here’s how Dr. Jimenez and his team at Push as Rx tackle CTS:

1. Spinal and Wrist Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments focus on realigning the cervical spine, wrist, and elbow to reduce pressure on the median nerve. By correcting subluxations (misalignments) in the spine, Dr. Jimenez ensures that nerve signals flow smoothly from the neck to the hand. Wrist adjustments can also open up the carpal tunnel, giving the median nerve some breathing room (El Paso Chiropractor Blog, 2016,).

2. Soft Tissue Therapy

Tight muscles or inflamed tendons in the forearm or wrist can exacerbate CTS. Dr. Jimenez uses techniques like myofascial release and massage to reduce tension and improve blood flow, which helps decrease inflammation around the median nerve. It’s like giving your wrist a relaxing spa day, minus the cucumber slices (Push as Rx,).

3. Functional Medicine Approach

As a board-certified nurse practitioner, Dr. Jimenez looks beyond the wrist to address systemic factors like inflammation or hormonal imbalances. For example, he might recommend anti-inflammatory dietary changes or supplements to reduce swelling in the carpal tunnel. This holistic approach tackles the overlapping risk profiles, such as diabetes or obesity, that contribute to CTS (Jimenez, LinkedIn,).

4. Ergonomic and Lifestyle Counseling

Dr. Jimenez emphasizes small changes that make a big difference. He might suggest:

  • Ergonomic Keyboards and Mice: To reduce wrist strain (Push as Rx,).
  • Posture Correction: To prevent cervical spine issues from worsening hand symptoms.
  • Stretching Exercises: To keep the wrist and forearm flexible, like wrist flexor stretches or nerve gliding exercises (El Paso Chiropractor Blog, 2016,).

5. Advanced Diagnostics

Dr. Jimenez uses tools like X-rays, MRIs, or electromyography (EMG) to pinpoint the exact cause of nerve compression, whether it’s in the wrist, elbow, or cervical spine. This ensures that treatment is targeted and effective, avoiding the “let’s try this and see” approach (Jimenez, 2023,).

Clinical Rationale for Chiropractic Care

Research supports chiropractic care as an effective treatment for CTS. A study by Davis et al. (1998) found that chiropractic adjustments combined with soft tissue therapy significantly reduced CTS symptoms compared to medical treatment alone (Davis et al., 1998,). Another study showed that spinal manipulation can improve nerve conduction in patients with CTS by addressing cervical spine dysfunction (Valente et al., 1994,). By reducing nerve irritation at multiple points along the median nerve’s pathway, chiropractic care addresses both local and systemic factors, making it a powerful tool for managing CTS and its overlapping risk profiles.

References

Dr. Jimenez’s Role in Personal Injury Cases

If you’ve been in an auto accident or suffered a workplace injury in El Paso, CTS might be one of the unwelcome souvenirs. Dr. Alexander Jimenez is a distinguished practitioner for personal injury cases, thanks to his dual licensure as a chiropractor and nurse practitioner. His unique skill set allows him to bridge the gap between medical care and legal documentation, ensuring that victims get the treatment they need while building a strong case.

How Dr. Jimenez Supports Personal Injury Patients

  • Advanced Imaging and Diagnostics: Dr. Jimenez uses X-rays, MRIs, and EMG to document the extent of nerve damage or musculoskeletal injuries. This is critical for personal injury cases, as it provides objective evidence for insurance claims or legal proceedings (Jimenez, 2023,).
  • Comprehensive Treatment Plans: He combines chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and functional medicine to address injuries holistically. For example, a car accident might cause whiplash, which can contribute to CTS symptoms by irritating the cervical spine. Dr. Jimenez’s treatments target both the neck and wrist to ensure full recovery (Push as Rx,).
  • Liaison Between Medical and Legal Systems: Dr. Jimenez works closely with attorneys to provide detailed medical reports that link injuries to the accident. His expertise ensures that patients’ injuries are accurately documented, which is crucial for securing fair compensation (Jimenez, LinkedIn,).
  • Holistic Recovery: Beyond treating physical injuries, Dr. Jimenez addresses emotional and systemic effects of trauma, such as stress or inflammation, to promote overall wellness (Push as Rx,).

Why This Matters in El Paso

El Paso sees its fair share of auto accidents and workplace injuries, which can trigger or worsen conditions like CTS. Dr. Jimenez’s clinic at 11860 Vista Del Sol, Suite 128, El Paso, TX 79936, is a beacon of hope for victims, offering personalized care and expert documentation. His work with the “Tell A Veteran” project also highlights his commitment to serving disabled veterans with chiropractic care, further solidifying his role as a community leader (Jimenez, LinkedIn,).

References

Practical Tips for Managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Dr. Jimenez believes that small changes can make a big difference in preventing and managing CTS. Here are some practical tips to keep your wrists from throwing a tantrum:

1. Optimize Your Workspace

  • Use an ergonomic keyboard and mouse to keep your wrists in a neutral position. Think of it as giving your wrists a comfy recliner instead of a hard bench (Push as Rx,).
  • Adjust your chair and desk so your forearms are parallel to the ground, and your wrists aren’t bent awkwardly.

2. Take Regular Breaks

If you’re typing or doing repetitive tasks, take a 5-minute break every 30 minutes to stretch your hands and wrists. Try the “prayer stretch” (press your palms together and lower them toward your waist) to loosen up the median nerve.

3. Strengthen and Stretch

Incorporate wrist stretches and strengthening exercises into your routine. Dr. Jimenez recommends:

  • Wrist Flexor Stretch: Extend your arm, palm up, and gently pull your fingers back with the other hand.
  • Nerve Gliding Exercises: Gently move your fingers and wrist through specific motions to improve nerve mobility (El Paso Chiropractor Blog, 2016,).
  • Grip Strengthening: Squeeze a stress ball to build forearm strength without overdoing it.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight can increase inflammation and pressure on nerves. Dr. Jimenez’s nutritional counseling at Push as Rx can help you create a balanced diet to support nerve health and reduce CTS risk (Push as Rx,).

5. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can increase inflammation, so drink plenty of water to keep your tissues happy. Think of it as giving your nerves a refreshing sip of H2O.

6. Wear a Wrist Splint

A splint at night can keep your wrist in a neutral position, preventing it from curling up like a grumpy cat and compressing the median nerve. Dr. Jimenez can recommend the right type for you (El Paso Chiropractor Blog, 2016,).

References

The Science Behind Chiropractic for CTS

Let’s get nerdy for a moment (don’t worry, it’s the fun kind of nerdy!). Research shows that chiropractic care can significantly reduce CTS symptoms by addressing both local and systemic issues. A 2021 study found that manual therapy, including chiropractic adjustments, improved hand function and reduced pain in CTS patients (Fernández-de-Las-Peñas et al., 2021,). Another study highlighted that cervical spine manipulation can improve nerve conduction velocity, helping alleviate numbness and tingling (Hulbert et al., 2007,).

Chiropractic care works by:

  • Reducing Nerve Compression: Adjustments restore proper alignment, reducing pressure on the median nerve at the wrist and cervical spine.
  • Decreasing Inflammation: Soft tissue therapy and nutritional interventions lower inflammation, creating more space in the carpal tunnel.
  • Improving Blood Flow: Better circulation supports nerve health and tissue repair.
  • Addressing Overlapping Risks: By tackling factors like poor posture, obesity, or diabetes, chiropractic care prevents CTS from worsening.

Dr. Jimenez’s dual expertise as a chiropractor and nurse practitioner allows him to combine these evidence-based techniques with advanced diagnostics, ensuring a comprehensive approach to CTS recovery (Jimenez, LinkedIn,).

References

  • Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C., Cleland, J. A., Plaza-Manzano, G., Ortega-Santiago, R., & Arias-Buría, J. L. (2021). Effectiveness of manual therapy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(22), 5357. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34783004/
  • Hulbert, J. R., Printon, R., Osterbauer, P., Davis, P. T., & Lamaack, R. (2007). Chiropractic treatment of hand and wrist pain in older people: Systematic protocol development. Part 1: Informant interviews. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 6(4), 144–151. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28075090/
  • Jimenez, A. (n.d.). LinkedIn profile. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/

Why Choose Dr. Alex Jimenez?

Dr. Alex Jimenez isn’t just your average chiropractor—he’s like the Swiss Army knife of healthcare, with tools for every job. With over 25 years of experience and dual licensure as a chiropractor and nurse practitioner, he brings a unique perspective to CTS and personal injury care. Here’s why he’s the go-to expert in El Paso:

  • Dual Expertise: His chiropractic and nurse practitioner training allows him to address both biomechanical and systemic issues, offering a 360-degree approach to healing (Push as Rx,).
  • Advanced Diagnostics: From X-rays to EMG, Dr. Jimenez uses cutting-edge tools to pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms, ensuring targeted treatment (Jimenez, 2023,).
  • Holistic Care: He combines chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, nutritional counseling, and functional medicine to tackle CTS from every angle.
  • Personal Injury Expertise: For accident victims, Dr. Jimenez provides detailed medical documentation and liaises with attorneys to support legal claims, making him a trusted partner in recovery (Jimenez, LinkedIn,).
  • Patient-Centered Approach: With a 5.0/5 rating from 89 patient reviews, Dr. Jimenez is known for explaining conditions clearly and building trust (Sharecare,).

References

Conclusion

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a frustrating and painful condition, but with the right care, you can get back to living life without your hands throwing tantrums. Dr. Alexander Jimenez and his team at Push as Rx Crossfit Fitness Center & Rehabilitation in El Paso, Texas, offer a holistic, evidence-based approach to managing CTS and its overlapping risk factors. By addressing the cervical spine, upper extremities, and systemic issues like inflammation, Dr. Jimenez helps patients achieve lasting relief and improved function. For personal injury victims, his expertise in diagnostics and legal documentation makes him an invaluable ally in the recovery process.

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider, such as Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information provided herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900 or visit www.dralexjimenez.com.

References

Post Disclaimer *

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Chiropractic Care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic & wellness blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those found on dralexjimenez.com, focusing on restoring health naturally for patients of all ages.

Our areas of chiropractic practice include Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.

Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicine, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somato-visceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters and issues that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable effort to provide supportive citations and has identified relevant research studies that support our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to discuss the subject matter above further, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807
New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Texas & Multistate 
Texas RN License # 1191402 
ANCC FNP-BC: Board Certified Nurse Practitioner*
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Master's in Family Practice MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
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