CARPAL TUNNEL AND THE SPINE

    A chiropractic research team recently published the case of a 38-year-old woman suffering from "pins and needles" sensations in both hands.¹ These sensations had gone on for one year, and were so severe that they frequently interrupted her sleep. She was misdiagnosed as having carpal tunnel syndrome, and ultrasound and massage therapy were applied to her wrists. Instead of experiencing relief, she was getting steadily worse.

    A chiropractic examination revealed nerve irritation in the upper back. After one adjustment of this "pinched nerve", the patient felt immediate relief.

    Nerve irritation in the neck or upper back can mimic carpal tunnel syndrome. It can also aggravate the syndrome when it really is present. In either case, chiropractic care can be beneficial.

¹ DeFranca GG, Levine LJ, The T4 Syndrome. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1995; 18: 34 - 37.

© 1996, All Rights Reserved.
Marion Todres, M.A., D.C. and Charles Masarsky, D.C.