Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in NJ & NYC

What Is Carpal Tunnel?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that causes hand, wrist and forearm pain. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the connecting nerves from the hands to the forearms become compressed. This nerve is called the median nerve. Carpal Tunnel is a part of the hand where the ligaments and bones meet in the wrist.

When there is compression, irritation or swelling of the nerve, which passes through the carpal tunnel, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may be present.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is commonly seen in patients who overuse their hands and wrists, especially in repetitive motions. Some things that can cause a flare up include typing on a keyboard, playing piano and writing. Other times, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may be due to an injury such as a wrist sprain.

While anyone can be affected by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it is more common in middle aged women and patients with Arthritis.

What Does Carpal Tunnel Feel Like?

Carpal tunnel syndrome often begins gradually. In the early stages, you might notice a subtle “pins and needles” sensation or a dull ache in your wrist. Many patients describe the feeling as their hand “falling asleep” at inconvenient times, such as while holding a steering wheel, a phone, or a book.

Nighttime flare-ups are a hallmark sign of the condition. Symptoms frequently intensify during rest because the wrist often flexes unconsciously, increasing pressure on the median nerve and causing enough discomfort or numbness to wake you from sleep.

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Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

While the symptoms focus on the hand and wrist, they can radiate up the arm toward the shoulder.

Key symptoms include:

• Numbness & Tingling: Frequent “zapping” or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. (Note: The pinky finger is usually unaffected, which is a key sign of CTS.)
• Hand Weakness: You may find yourself dropping objects or struggling with fine motor tasks, like buttoning a shirt or sewing.
• Burning Pain: A persistent burning sensation that travels from the wrist up the forearm.
• Electric Shock Sensations: Sudden, sharp sensations that travel through the fingers or wrist.

Related article: Work-Related Injuries

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Early diagnosis is the best way to prevent permanent nerve damage. The Spine & Rehab Group focuses on interventional, non-surgical recovery plans tailored to your lifestyle.

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may include:

• Wrist Splinting: Wearing a brace at night helps keep the wrist in a neutral position, thereby taking pressure off the median nerve while you sleep.
• Physical & Occupational Therapy: Our therapists use “nerve gliding” exercises to help the median nerve move more freely through the carpal tunnel and strengthen the surrounding tendons.
• Activity Modification: We work with you to identify the specific movements—at work or during hobbies—that are aggravating your symptoms and teach you how to adjust them.
• Steroid Injections: If conservative methods aren’t enough, localized injections can significantly reduce inflammation and swelling inside the tunnel, providing long-term relief.
• Anti-Inflammatory Medication: NSAIDs may be used to manage acute pain and reduce the swelling of the tendons surrounding the nerve.

The Goal of Treatment: Our primary objective is to reduce pressure on the median nerve, eliminate your pain, and restore the full strength and function of your hand without the need for invasive surgery.

How to Prevent Carpal Tunnel?

If your job or hobbies require repetitive hand motions, these habits can help protect your wrists:

1. Relax Your Grip: If you write or type for long periods, try to use a “soft touch” and avoid gripping tools too tightly.
2. Take Micro-Breaks: Every 20 minutes, gently stretch and bend your hands and wrists.
3. Improve Your Ergonomics: Ensure your keyboard is at elbow height or slightly lower so your wrists stay in a straight, natural line.
4. Keep Hands Warm: Hand pain and stiffness are more common in cold environments. If you can’t control the temperature, consider wearing fingerless gloves.

Don’t wait until hand weakness makes daily tasks impossible. The specialists at The Spine & Rehab Group utilize diagnostic tools like EMG (Electromyography) to precisely locate nerve compression and initiate your recovery on the right path. Contact us today to schedule your consultation at our Manhattan or New Jersey pain treatment centers.

The Spine & Rehab Group
140 NJ-17,
Paramus, NJ 07652
(212) 242-8160