Spine-Shoulder-Elbow-Wrist Connection

Headaches and Neck Pain

You have tingling in your wrist and fingers and…you work on a Blackberry and computer all day, or you’re a grocery store clerk, or maybe even an assembly line worker. Could that have something to do with it? Could it be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)? And if it is, are pain relievers, wrist cuffs and surgery your only alternatives for relief of this condition?

That tingling you feel in your wrist and fingers may be related to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or it may be related to something else. But in any case, people with spinal problems, particularly in the lower cervical spine (neck area) or upper thoracic spine (upper back area) or who have some type of nerve/joint dysfunction may be prone to these symptoms as well. Repetitive strain ailments, such as CTS, often are linked to other injury sites on the body; this is known as a “Double Crush” Syndrome.

In our practice, when we assess a patient for tingling in the wrist and fingers, it is important that we examine the entire arm and neck to trace the nerve(s) involved back to what may be the actual origin of the problem. Failure to properly identify a “Double Crush” in the case of CTS or another finger/wrist problem could lead to unnecessary and unsuccessful surgery if the real problem is nerve interference due to neck injury/trauma or subluxation!

Because chiropractors are knowledgeable about bones, nerves and ligaments, we are able to perform the proper examination, diagnostic testing, evaluation and assessment so we can administer specific adjustments for CTS and other wrist/finger conditions that have been proven to reduce the need for drugs and surgery.

Dr. Jeff Asks some important questions of interest to Colorado Springs residents - Chiropractor Colorado Springs Dr. Jeff Asks...

What's the difference between sick care and health care?
Sick care is largely about relieving or suppressing symptoms. Health care is about improving performance. While sick care is about how you feel, health care is about how you function. Sick care is what you do to treat an obvious problem, and health care is what you do to avoid the problem and advance your well-being.
What's your plan to deal with drug-resistant 'super germs'?
Chiropractors have always been concerned with the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, accelerating the mutation of microbes that make "wonder" drugs increasingly ineffective. My strategy? Do everything possible to bolster my immune system through proper diet, rest, exercise, clean air, pure water and an optimally functioning nervous system with regular chiropractic care.