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carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a debilitating disorder causedby irritation or pressure to the median nerve. The median nerveoriginates in the neck, runs through the shoulder, arm, and forearminto the wrist and hand. It is one of the major nerves in the handthat provides sensation and movement for the thumb, index, andmiddle fingers. CTS often is described as an aching pain withburning, tingling, and numbness in the wrist or hand and,occasionally, in the forearm. In some cases, muscle weakness,swelling, and loss of temperature sensation may be present.Patients may begin to drop objects or have difficulty lifting smallitems or turning doorknobs.
It is thought that jobs that require workers to use their hands,wrists, or arms in a repetitive manner tend to have a higherincidence of CTS. But renowned hand surgeon Dr. Charles Eaton saysthat there is no scientific evidence that shows such activitiesactually cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
Medical Treatments
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The standard medical treatment for CTS may include braces,splints, over-the-counter or prescription non-steroidalanti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), vitamin B6, cortisone injections,or surgery. Unfortunately, drugs have potential side effects andsurgery is not always successful.
In fact, three separate studies published in the Journal of HandSurgery followed the failure rate of some of the common treatmentsfor CTS. One study revealed that wrist splints and NSAIDs had an82% failure rate while another showed steroid injections has a72.6% failure rate. The third study showed an average failure rateof 57% in patients that underwent carpal tunnel releasesurgery.
These failure rates support the idea that the actual cause ofCTS in the majority of the patients might be nerve irritation at asite away from the wrist, as is the cause with Double CrushSyndrome.
Double Crush Syndrome
Stress to the median nerve commonly begins in the neck, wherethe median nerve begins. The nerve is then aggravated by addedpressure or irritation anywhere from the neck to the wrist, whichcan then cause symptoms in the hand and fingers. This is called“Double Crush Syndrome” and is widely referenced in the scientificand medical research journals as a consistent finding in patientswith carpal tunnel. Pressure or irritation to the nerve roots asthey exit the neck makes the median nerve more vulnerable to injuryat the wrist.
A growing number if studies suggest that the Double Crushphenomenon is one of the most common causes of CTS. The prestigiousmedical journal The Lancet found that nearly 7 of every 10 CTSpatients had nerve irritation in the neck. Another study found that89% of carpal tunnel sufferers also had arthritis in the neck. Bothstudies suggest the vast majority of CTS patients actually haveDouble Crush phenomena.
This would explain the high failure rates when it comes tomedical treatments directed solely at the wrist neglect possiblenerve irritation and/or compression in the neck, which renders thelower nerves in the wrist more susceptible to injury. In this case,it is essential to first correct the cervical problem to allow thewrist condition to fully heal.
A similar phenomenon can also occur with Thoracic OutletSyndrome (TOS) and cervical radiculopathy (tingling, pain down thearms).
CTS & The Cervical Spine
Problems in the neck or cervical spine can be a simple as poorposture and muscle tension, or as serious as disc bulges,arthritis, or spinal misalignments, also referred to assubluxations.
A proper evaluation for CTS should include an exam of the entirelength of the median nerve, starting at the neck and working downto the hands, wrists, and fingers. Since the neck is the mostcommon site for Double Crush to occur, a consultation with an uppercervical doctor would be in the best interests of any CTS sufferer,especially if they have been recommended for carpal tunnelsurgery.
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Mar 14, 2026Upper Cervical Health Care of Orange County
Upper Cervical Health Care of Orange County is the clinic of Dr.Jerome Ri, DC servicing the greater Los Angeles and OrangeCounties. He has extensive education, training, and experience withcarpal tunnel syndrome and the upper cervical spine.
If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome and would like toschedule a consultation with Dr. Ri, call (714) 848-8122, visit theContact Form or use the Appointment Request Form at the top of thepage.
Upper cervical care has helped countless CTS sufferers. Dr Riknows how to develop a program specific to your needs. Most healthinsurance companies recognize the benefits of upper cervical careand include it among the services they cover.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a debilitating disorder causedby irritation or pressure to the median nerve. The median nerveoriginates in the neck, runs through the shoulder, arm, and forearminto the wrist and hand. Don’t wait. Seek help today!
References & Case Studies
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Upper Cervical Chiropractic Near Me: A Comprehensive Guide to Natural Healing
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