You're working at your desk, trying to ignore the tingling or numbness you've had for months in your hand and wrist. Suddenly, a sharp, piercing pain shoots through the wrist and have your arm. Just a passing cramp? More likely you have carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful progressive condition caused by compression of a key nerve in the wrist.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel - a narrow, rigid passageway of ligaments and bones at the base of the hand - houses the median nerve and tendons. Sometimes thickening from irritated tendons were others swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. The result may be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm.

Chiropractic care has benefited many patients. Surgical procedures are occasionally necessary. Before you get surgery see a chiropractor.