What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is formed by bones in your wrist (carpal bones). Nine tendons and one nerve (the median nerve) pass through this tunnel. Injury, disease or constant repetitive motion can cause these structures to become irritated and inflamed. Since the carpal tunnel is made up of bones, it cannot stretch to accommodate an inflammation. Pressure on the median nerve causes the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal bones will not expand to accommodate the inflamed median nerve.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel May Include:

Pain, tingling or numbness in the thumb or fingers. Pain from your hands, up the arm which may extend to your shoulders and neck. A swollen or "tight" feeling in your hands or wrists. Hands & lower arms may feel weak in the morning. You may drop objects more than usual. You may have trouble pinching or grasping objects. You may have trouble with detail tasks such as writing or tying your shoes. You may have trouble with strength tasks such as opening sealed jars or using a screwdriver.

The Median Nerve's Role in CTS

The median nerve transmits information between your spinal cord and your thumb, index and parts of your middle and ring fingers. To reach your hand, the median nerve passes through several bones in the lower part of your neck, shoulder, arm, elbow, and wrist. Problems in any of these areas can cause the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Often patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome may have motion and alignment problems in their neck.