This is a so-called common problem that involves the wrist and the hand. This is a repetitive motion trauma to the wrists that causes compression of the median nerve at the wrist as it goes through the transverse carpal ligament and the bones (carpals) of the hand. (Fig. 2) This is a nerve entrapment problem that is usually caused by repeated use of the hands (typing on a keyboard, assembly work, mechanics hammering with their hands, trauma to the wrists) causing inflammation of the median nerve.

Carpal tunnel may cause pain, tingling, and numbness to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. (Fig. 1) Compression of the carpal tunnel will also cause weakness of the thenar muscles causing a weak thumb during opposition. Chiropractic has been shown to help. Carpal tunnel may cause pain, tingling, and numbness to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. (Fig. 1) Compression of the carpal tunnel will also cause weakness of the thenar muscles causing a weak thumb during opposition. Chiropractic has been shown to help.