Carpal Tunnel Treatment in Yakima, WA

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist, producing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Kroner Chiropractic treats carpal tunnel in Yakima, Washington, evaluating the wrist along with the elbow, shoulder, and neck, since the median nerve can be compressed at any point along its path.

The median nerve travels a long way before it reaches your wrist

Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve inside the carpal tunnel, a narrow passage at the wrist. When tissue in that space swells, the nerve is squeezed, producing numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.

Here is what often gets missed. The median nerve originates in the neck and travels through the shoulder, down the arm, past the elbow, and into the hand. It can be compressed at any point along that route, and compression at more than one point is common.

That is why we examine the neck, shoulder, and elbow as well as the wrist. Treating only the wrist when the neck is also contributing explains a good number of disappointing outcomes.

Symptoms and who gets it

• Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger
• Symptoms worse at night, often waking you
• Shaking the hand to relieve symptoms
• Weakness in grip, dropping things
• Pain in the wrist that may travel up the forearm
• A swollen feeling in the fingers without visible swelling

The night pattern is characteristic. Wrists tend to bend during sleep, increasing pressure in the tunnel.

In the Yakima Valley, agricultural work, food processing, warehousing, and any job involving repetitive gripping or vibrating tools all raise the risk.

How we treat it

After examining the full path of the nerve:

• Adjustments to the wrist, elbow, shoulder, and cervical spine as indicated
• Soft tissue therapy for the forearm muscles and the tissue at the tunnel
• Therapeutic modalities to reduce inflammation
• Nerve glide exercises to restore the nerve’s ability to move freely
• Guidance on night splinting, workstation setup, and modifying the activities driving it

Carpal tunnel responds better when caught earlier. Longstanding severe compression with significant muscle wasting may require surgical evaluation, and we will refer when that is what we find.

If it is work-related

Carpal tunnel is frequently work-related, and repetitive-motion injuries qualify for Washington L&I claims even without a single injury event.

If your symptoms developed through your job, tell us. We will document the connection and can treat you under a work injury claim. Cumulative injuries are still work injuries.

Common Questions

Can chiropractic care help carpal tunnel syndrome without surgery?

Conservative care is commonly the first approach for mild to moderate carpal tunnel. We address compression at the wrist and anywhere else along the nerve’s path. Severe longstanding cases with muscle wasting may require surgical evaluation.

Why are my symptoms worse at night?

Wrists tend to bend during sleep, which increases pressure inside the carpal tunnel. Waking with numbness and shaking the hand for relief is one of the most characteristic features of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Could my hand numbness be coming from my neck?

It can, and it is often overlooked. The median nerve originates in the neck, so compression there can produce hand symptoms, and compression at both the neck and the wrist together is common. We examine the whole path.

Is carpal tunnel caused by typing?

Typing is one contributor among many. Repetitive gripping, forceful hand use, vibrating tools, and sustained wrist positions all raise risk, as do several medical conditions. In this region, agricultural and processing work are frequent contributors.

Should I wear a wrist brace?

Night splinting is commonly helpful because it keeps the wrist neutral during sleep. Whether it fits your situation, and which type, is something we will advise on after examining you.

Is carpal tunnel covered as a work injury in Washington?

Repetitive-motion injuries can qualify for an L&I claim even without a single injury event. If your symptoms developed through your work, tell us and we will document the connection appropriately.