Carpal Tunnel Treatment in Los Gatos
Carpal tunnel syndrome can turn everyday things like typing, driving, or even holding your phone into a whole situation. Numbness, tingling, and weakness in your hand or wrist can slow you down at work, mess with your sleep, and make simple tasks frustrating.
At On Purpose Los Gatos Chiropractic, Dr. Adam Kleinberg, DC, offers natural, conservative care that looks for why the median nerve is getting irritated in the first place, not just how to numb the pain. If you are looking for carpal tunnel syndrome treatment in Los Gatos, we focus on early diagnosis, non‑surgical carpal tunnel relief, and personalized plans that match your life and your job.
Call (408) 354-8044 to schedule your consultation.
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve gets compressed as it passes through a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. That tunnel is formed by bones and a tough band of tissue. When there is swelling, tightness, or irritation in that space, the nerve gets squeezed and starts complaining.
Common signs include:
- Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger
- A feeling that your hand “falls asleep,” especially at night or when driving
- Weakness or trouble gripping things like a mug, phone, or steering wheel
- Burning, buzzing, or electric‑type pain in the wrist or hand
- Pain that can shoot up into the forearm or even toward the elbow
In plain language, carpal tunnel is a form of wrist nerve compression. The goal of care is to calm down the irritated median nerve and improve how the wrist and surrounding joints move and load.
Chiropractic Care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
On Purpose Los Gatos Chiropractic treats patients who have mild to moderate carpal tunnel type symptoms, especially when there is a clear mechanical or postural component. As a chiropractor for carpal tunnel syndrome, Dr. Kleinberg does not just look at the wrist. He checks the whole chain from your neck to your fingertips.
People who usually seek care here include:
- Desk workers, coders, designers, and gamers who type and mouse all day
- Hairstylists, mechanics, baristas, and others who grip tools or equipment for hours
- Parents constantly lifting kids, car seats, and diaper bags
- Folks with neck or shoulder tension on top of wrist and hand symptoms
The aim is to address both the local irritation at the wrist and underlying contributors like neck alignment, shoulder position, and overall posture. Very severe or long‑standing cases, or those with red‑flag neurological changes, may need co‑management or a referral to a hand specialist.
Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome usually does not show up out of nowhere. It tends to be the end result of a lot of little stresses stacked over time. Things Dr. Kleinberg commonly sees behind CTS‑type issues include:
- Repetitive hand and wrist motions like typing, assembly work, handheld tools, or gaming
- Poor ergonomics such as bent wrists on the keyboard, reaching for the mouse, or slouching over a laptop
- Grip‑heavy tasks like driving, weightlifting, cutting hair, or using power tools
- Swelling or fluid shifts, which can show up around pregnancy or certain hormonal changes
- Systemic conditions like diabetes, thyroid issues, or inflammatory arthritis that make nerves more vulnerable
- Old falls, shoulder or neck injuries that change how the entire arm moves
All of these can irritate or compress the median nerve as it runs through the carpal tunnel or even higher up, like at the elbow or in the neck. That is why we look beyond just the wrist when we design non‑surgical carpal tunnel relief options.
Personalized Care Plans for Carpal Tunnel
Your plan at On Purpose Los Gatos Chiropractic is built around what we find in your exam, not a one‑size protocol. Dr. Kleinberg starts by looking at the “physics” of your neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist, since nerves to the hand begin in the cervical spine and travel all the way down your arm.
A typical chiropractic plan for CTS‑type symptoms may include:
- Gentle adjustments to the neck and upper back to reduce tension on the nerves traveling into the arm
- Specific mobilization or adjustment of the wrist and hand joints to free up the carpal tunnel region and improve mechanics
- Work with the elbow and shoulder when tightness or misalignment there is adding strain to the median nerve
- Simple stretching and strengthening exercises for the forearm, wrist, and hand to support better function
- Ergonomic coaching for keyboard height, mouse use, phone position, and how you rest your wrists
- Guidance on pacing, micro‑breaks, and sleep positions that avoid prolonged wrist flexion at night
If your symptoms are severe, progressive, or not responding as expected, Dr. Kleinberg will discuss whether you need further testing or referral. Every care plan is customized to your job, hobbies, and daily demands.
Risks of Ignoring Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Leaving carpal tunnel syndrome to “see if it goes away” can cause trouble over time. Ongoing median nerve compression can slowly damage the nerve fibers. That may shift symptoms from temporary tingling to more constant numbness.
Potential long‑term issues include:
- Persistent numbness in the thumb and fingers, even when you are not using your hand
- Noticeable loss of grip strength or clumsiness, like dropping cups or struggling with buttons
- Visible thinning of the muscles at the base of the thumb, known as thenar atrophy
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks, making both work and everyday life more frustrating
In advanced cases, some of these changes can be hard or impossible to reverse, even with surgery. That is why early, conservative care for wrist nerve compression is so important. If you are starting to notice weakness, shrinking muscles, or a big change in sensation, that is your cue to get checked sooner rather than later.
Real-World Carpal Tunnel Improvement Story
One common type of case is a mid‑30s software developer who spends 8 to 10 hours a day on a laptop. She came in with night‑time numbness in her thumb and first two fingers, waking up shaking her hands out. She was starting to drop her coffee mug in the morning and felt burning in her wrist after long coding sessions.
Her exam showed median nerve compression signs at the wrist, tight forearm flexor muscles, and a classic head‑forward, rounded‑shoulder posture from working on a low laptop. Her plan included cervical and upper back adjustments, gentle wrist and hand joint work, forearm stretches, and a new desk setup with a separate keyboard and mouse. Over a couple of months, her night symptoms decreased, her grip felt stronger, and she could work longer without that burning sensation. Results vary, but this is a typical type of improvement.
At home, she was asked to:
- Keep her wrists in a more neutral position, especially when typing
- Take micro‑breaks every 30 to 45 minutes to stretch fingers and forearms
- Use a soft night brace temporarily to avoid sleeping with bent wrists
Stay hydrated and move her shoulders and neck regularly during the day
Carpal Tunnel Diagnostic Process
When you come in for possible CTS, the first visit is all about understanding your story. Dr. Kleinberg will ask about your work, hobbies, medical history, and what specifically triggers or eases your symptoms.
The physical exam usually includes:
- Checking neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist motion
- Light touch and strength testing in the hand and fingers
- Simple orthopedic and nerve tension tests to see where symptoms show up
- Posture and ergonomics review, especially how you use your devices
If your case is straightforward, a trial of conservative care may begin based on those findings. If there are red flags, significant weakness, or if your progress is not matching expectations, Dr. Kleinberg may recommend talking with your primary care doctor or a specialist about electrodiagnostic testing or imaging to get more information before going further.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Wrist and Hand Pain
Chiropractic care for carpal tunnel syndrome focuses on how your whole system works, not just the tiny tunnel in your wrist. At On Purpose Los Gatos Chiropractic, this means:
- Non‑invasive care that aims to improve alignment and nerve function without medication-free or surgery
- Attention to the entire nerve pathway from your neck to your hand
- A strong emphasis on posture, ergonomics, and day‑to‑day habits so your wrist is not constantly re‑irritated
- Clear explanations so you actually understand what is going on and how your plan is designed to help
For many people, chiropractic can be a powerful conservative option for non‑surgical carpal tunnel relief or a helpful complement to medical care. In more serious cases, it can also be part of a team approach before and after other interventions.
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FAQs - carpal tunnel syndrome
What offers temporary relief for carpal tunnel symptoms?
Short term, people often get relief from gently shaking out their hands, taking breaks from repetitive tasks, using a neutral‑position wrist brace at night, and paying attention to posture. Ice on the wrist or forearm can sometimes calm flare ups. These are band‑aids, not long‑term fixes, but they can make life a bit easier while you are starting care.
Does cracking your knuckles cause carpal tunnel syndrome?
No. Cracking your knuckles does not cause carpal tunnel syndrome. CTS is about median nerve compression in the wrist, usually from a mix of repetitive use, anatomy, and other health factors. That said, extreme or aggressive joint cracking is not a great habit in general, but it is a separate issue from carpal tunnel.
Is it okay to wear a wrist brace?
Yes, a neutral wrist brace can be helpful, especially at night or during high‑demand tasks. It keeps the wrist from bending and taking more space away from the nerve. The key is not to live in a brace 24/7, since your muscles still need to work. In our office, braces are usually used as a temporary support while we work on underlying mechanics.
Will insurance cover chiropractic treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Coverage depends on your individual plan and how your benefits are set up. Many plans do offer some chiropractic benefits. Our front desk team can help you check your coverage so you know what to expect before you commit to a care plan.
