Carpal tunnel syndrome: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to carpal tunnel syndrome — causes, symptoms, and conservative treatment.
Medically reviewed by D.C Matt Lead Director
Last reviewed 1 July 2026
- It is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist.
- Classic symptoms affect the thumb, index and middle fingers, often worse at night.
- Mild to moderate cases often respond to conservative care.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve as it passes through a narrow tunnel at the wrist.
The pressure disrupts the nerve's signals to part of the hand. It can be linked to repetitive wrist use, fluid retention, pregnancy, or other health conditions.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Typical symptoms are tingling and numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers, often worse at night.
- Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Symptoms that wake you at night or are worse in the morning
- A weakened grip or tendency to drop things
- Discomfort that can extend up the forearm
How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?
Mild to moderate carpal tunnel is treated with wrist splinting (especially at night), activity changes and nerve-gliding exercises.
Addressing wrist posture and aggravating activities helps many people. Severe or persistent cases with significant weakness may need referral for further options such as injection or surgery.
The Postura approach
At Postura Wellness, care for carpal tunnel syndrome is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
When to seek assessment
Constant numbness, wasting of the muscles at the base of the thumb, or significant hand weakness suggests more advanced nerve compression and should be assessed promptly.
Sciatica FAQs
Does carpal tunnel go away on its own?
Mild cases may settle, especially if a temporary cause like pregnancy resolves. Many respond to conservative care; persistent cases need assessment.
Does a night splint help carpal tunnel?
Yes. A wrist splint worn at night keeps the wrist neutral and is one of the more effective conservative measures.
Is surgery always needed for carpal tunnel?
No. Mild to moderate cases often improve without surgery. Surgery is considered for severe or persistent cases with weakness.
Can physiotherapy help carpal tunnel syndrome?
Yes, for many cases. Splinting, nerve-gliding exercises and activity changes can ease symptoms in mild to moderate carpal tunnel.
This guide is informed by patient information from accredited medical institutions:
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