Wrist, hand and arm condition · Canton, OH
Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment in Canton, OH
Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve as it passes through a narrow tunnel in the wrist, causing numbness, tingling and pain in the thumb, index and middle fingers. At Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Canton, OH, we start with a full exam, including your neck, then walk you through non-surgical care options.
Reviewed by Dr. Brent Ungar, DC · Last reviewed [date]
- 40+ years in practice in Canton
- Over 300 five-star reviews
- No referral needed
Carpal tunnel syndrome at a glance
| Also called | CTS, median nerve compression at the wrist |
|---|---|
| Body area | Wrist, hand and fingers (thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger), sometimes the forearm |
| Nerve involved | Median nerve, where it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist |
| Common symptoms | Numbness, tingling, hand pain, waking at night, weak grip, dropping things |
| Common causes | Repeated hand and wrist use, wrist injury, swelling such as during pregnancy |
| How we evaluate | Health history, hand, wrist and neck exam, nerve tests or imaging if needed |
| Care options | Low-level laser therapy, chiropractic care for the wrist and neck, physical rehabilitation, ergonomic guidance |
| Referral needed? | No referral needed |
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) happens when the median nerve is squeezed as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow space in the wrist. The pressure can cause numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the thumb, index and middle fingers, and sometimes up the forearm.
When swelling or irritation narrows the tunnel, there is less room for the nerve. Symptoms often start slowly and may wake you up at night.
Nerves from the neck also run into the arms and hands, so a neck problem can cause similar symptoms or add to them. That is why care starts with a full exam of the wrist and neck.
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and causes
What does carpal tunnel syndrome feel like?
Symptoms usually build slowly and are often worse at night.
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Hand or wrist pain that may travel up the forearm
- Waking at night with numb or painful hands
- Weak grip or dropping things
- Trouble with fine tasks like buttoning a shirt
- Symptoms that ease when you shake out your hand
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Anything that narrows the carpal tunnel or swells the tissue inside it can press on the nerve.
- Repeated gripping, typing or wrist bending (overuse)
- A wrist injury, such as a fracture or sprain
- Swelling during pregnancy, which often eases after the baby is born
- Neck problems that irritate the nerves going to the hand
- Risk factors: diabetes, thyroid conditions, arthritis, extra body weight, work with vibrating tools
Is it carpal tunnel syndrome or something else?
Other nerve problems can cause numbness and tingling in the hand. Your exam helps tell them apart, and some people have more than one.
| Feature | Carpal tunnel syndrome | Pinched nerve in the neck | Cubital tunnel syndrome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it hurts | Thumb, index and middle fingers, and the wrist | Neck, shoulder and arm, sometimes into the hand | Ring and little fingers, and the inside of the elbow |
| Other signs | Numbness worse at night; weak grip | Neck pain or stiffness; symptoms change with neck position | Tingling when the elbow is bent; weak finger movement |
| Often worse with | Gripping, typing or bending the wrist | Turning or tilting the head | Leaning on the elbow or keeping it bent |
Get emergency care right away if
- You have sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body or face, or trouble speaking
- You suddenly lose hand strength or cannot move your fingers
- A wrist injury causes severe pain, swelling or a wrist that looks out of shape
- Your hand or fingers turn pale, blue or cold
- You have a red, hot, swollen hand or wrist with a fever
- Numbness spreads quickly or comes with severe neck pain after an injury
What to expect at our Canton office
Our typical process involves:
- Obtaining a thorough history of the problem and health history of the patient
- Performing a complete examination of the patient
- Obtaining any diagnostic tests (if necessary) to better understand the problem
- Discussing the diagnosis with you
- Reviewing the findings and treatment options with you
Every case is different and results vary.
Your first visit for hand and wrist symptoms
Before
Wear comfortable clothes. Bring any nerve test (EMG) or imaging reports and a list of medications.
During
We ask when your hands go numb and how you use them during the day, then check your wrist, hand strength, sensation and neck.
After
We explain what we found and the options that fit, so you can decide how to move forward.
Carpal tunnel care options in Canton
Every care plan depends on your exam. Options your provider may recommend include:
- Low-level laser therapy Non-invasive light therapy that may help reduce swelling around the nerve and support healing.
- Chiropractic care for the wrist and neck Gentle, targeted care for the wrist, elbow and neck, since neck problems can add to hand symptoms.
- Physical rehabilitation Nerve and tendon gliding exercises and strengthening for the hand and forearm.
- Ergonomic and home guidance Wrist position, workstation setup and short breaks to ease pressure between visits.
If symptoms are severe or do not improve, your provider can talk with you about other options, such as splinting, injections or a surgical consult, and coordinate with your physician.
Waking up with numb or tingling hands?
Your carpal tunnel care team
Dr. Brent Ungar, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician | Laser Therapy Educator
Dr. Anthony Gatelaro, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Over 30 Years of Experience
Carpal tunnel questions we hear in Canton
Many people with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome improve with non-surgical care such as laser therapy, chiropractic care, exercises and changes to how they use their hands. Some people need splinting, injections or a surgical consult. Your exam helps show which path fits.
Yes. Nerves from the neck run down the arm into the hand, so a pinched nerve in the neck can cause numbness and tingling that feels like carpal tunnel. Some people have both. That is why we check your neck as well as your wrist.
Low-level laser therapy uses light energy aimed at the wrist. It may help reduce swelling and support healing in the tissues around the nerve. It is non-invasive and not painful. Your provider decides whether it fits your case after your exam.
Many people sleep with their wrists bent, which can narrow the carpal tunnel and press on the nerve. That is why numbness and tingling often wake people up. Your provider may suggest ways to keep your wrists in a neutral position.
Yes. Swelling during pregnancy can narrow the carpal tunnel and cause symptoms, which often ease after the baby is born. Let us know if you are pregnant so we can adjust your care.
No referral needed. If you have had a nerve test (EMG) or imaging, bring the report. If not, tests are ordered only if your exam shows they are needed.
Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center treats carpal tunnel syndrome at 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, in Canton, near North Canton, Massillon and the Belden Village area.
Visit our Canton office
- Address
- 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, Canton, OH 44718
- Phone
- 330-493-0009
- Hours
- Mon–Thu: Dr. Ungar 7:45 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mon–Thu: Dr. Gatelaro 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fri–Sun: Closed - Parking
- Free on-site parking
Patients visit us from Canton, North Canton and across Stark County.
Find out what is behind your hand numbness
Start with a full exam of your wrist and neck and a clear talk about your options. Call 330-493-0009 or send a request.