Can Carpal Tunnel Cause Shoulder Pain?

Many people wonder can carpal tunnel cause shoulder pain. While CTS can cause symptoms that travel up the arm, it doesn’t directly affect the shoulder. Carpal tunnel syndrome and shoulder problems are separate issues, so it’s possible to have one without the other. However, if you’re experiencing shoulder pain along with CTS, it’s essential to seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis.

At Precise Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, led by Dr. Hands, we specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This article will explore the connection between CTS and shoulder pain and the potential causes of shoulder discomfort that may be mistaken for or aggravated by CTS. Fortunately, chiropractic care can provide effective treatment for CTS.

What Can You Do About CTS?

CTS occurs when a nerve in your wrist is squeezed. If you feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand or fingers, seeking help is essential. Consulting with a professional like Dr. Hands can help identify the cause of your discomfort.

For mild cases of CTS, the following measures can help manage the condition:

• Wear a wrist splint at night to keep the wrist neutral.
• Avoid activities that strain the wrist.
• Take breaks, stretch your wrist, and give your hand time to rest often.
• Apply ice to reduce inflammation.
• Try over-the-counter pain medications to ease swelling and discomfort.

If these measures don’t provide relief, acting is essential. If the median nerve is pressed for too long, it can cause permanent damage. In such cases, a chiropractor may recommend alternative treatments, such as chiropractic adjustments, focusing on improving nerve function and relieving pressure on the affected area.

Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Affect Your Shoulder?

Carpal tunnel syndrome primarily affects the wrist and hand, not the shoulder. Shoulder pain is not a direct result of CTS, but the discomfort caused by CTS can lead you to overuse the other arm, which can lead to shoulder pain.

While CTS can cause numbness, tingling, and discomfort in the fingers, it generally does not affect the shoulder directly. However, if you are experiencing shoulder pain, it is essential to consult a chiropractor or healthcare provider to get to the root of the problem.

Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome lead to upper back pain?

CTS is not linked to upper back pain. Still, upper back pain can have many other causes, such as muscle strain, poor posture, or issues with the spine, like ruptured discs or spinal stenosis.

Sometimes, the postures you adopt to alleviate carpal tunnel symptoms may strain the upper back. Additionally, conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can cause both CTS and upper back pain. Suppose you’re experiencing upper back pain along with CTS symptoms. In that case, it’s a good idea to consult with Dr. Hands at Precise Chiropractic & Rehabilitation for a proper diagnosis.

What Happens Without Treatment?

Ignoring carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to serious complications, including:

• Weakness in the hands and fingers—If the median nerve is pressed for too long, it can weaken the muscles in the hands and fingers, making it difficult to hold objects.
• Loss of hand function – Left untreated, CTS can cause permanent loss of hand function, making it hard to perform everyday tasks.
• Permanent nerve damage – Prolonged compression of the median nerve may lead to permanent numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers.

Why Choose Chiropractic Care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

While surgery is often considered the last resort for treating carpal tunnel syndrome, chiropractic care can provide a non-invasive and effective alternative. At Precise Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, we offer targeted chiropractic adjustments that relieve pressure on the median nerve, improve circulation, and help restore proper function to the affected hand and wrist.

Chiropractic care is a safe treatment for CTS, so you don’t have to deal with the risks or long recovery from surgery. Dr. Hands and the team at Precise Chiropractic & Rehabilitation specialize in offering relief from carpal tunnel syndrome through chiropractic adjustments, ensuring a faster recovery and long-term relief without the need for surgery.

Contact Us Today

If you’re suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome or related pain, don’t wait for the symptoms to worsen. Contact Precise Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, led by Dr. Hands, at (410) 370-0600 to schedule a consultation and start your recovery today. Let us help you find relief and return to your daily activities pain-free!