Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Shelby, NC
Carpal tunnel syndrome can make everyday tasks feel frustrating and painful—whether you’re typing, gripping a steering wheel, or trying to sleep through the night. Tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand or wrist are common signs that the median nerve is being compressed inside the carpal tunnel of the wrist.
At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, Dr. Luis Lopez takes a whole-body approach to carpal tunnel care. By evaluating both the wrist and the spine, we look for underlying nerve interference that may be contributing to your symptoms—and build a treatment plan that supports healing from the inside out.
Whether your symptoms are mild or starting to disrupt your work and daily life, we’re here to help you find relief and restore healthy nerve function—without surgery or medication.
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Shelby, NC
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve—which runs from your neck through the arm and into the hand—becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through the narrow carpal tunnel in your wrist. This nerve controls sensation and movement in much of the hand and fingers.
When the carpal tunnel becomes narrowed or inflamed, the median nerve can’t function properly, leading to symptoms like:
Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
Weakness or difficulty gripping objects
Pain that radiates up the forearm or into the shoulder
Symptoms that worsen at night or with repetitive use
Although the wrist is often the focus, problems higher up in the neck or shoulder can also contribute to carpal tunnel symptoms by placing tension on the nerve pathway.
At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, Dr. Luis Lopez evaluates the full nerve pathway—from the neck to the wrist—to determine where pressure may be occurring and how chiropractic care can help.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Shelby, NC
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms often begin subtly and gradually worsen over time—especially with repetitive wrist or hand movements. Symptoms may come and go at first, but without treatment, they can become constant and more disruptive to daily life.
Tingling or “pins and needles” in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
Numbness in the hand or fingers, especially at night
Weak grip strength or frequent dropping of objects
Pain or burning sensation that radiates up the forearm
Wrist stiffness, especially in the morning or after use
Worsening symptoms during tasks like typing, driving, or holding a phone
Clumsiness or decreased coordination in the affected hand
Common symptoms include:
These symptoms are signs that the median nerve may be compressed—either at the wrist or along its path through the arm and neck. Chiropractic care can help identify and relieve this pressure before it leads to long-term damage.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve as it travels through the wrist—but the reasons behind that compression can vary. In many cases, it’s a combination of repetitive strain, inflammation, and postural imbalances that increase pressure within the carpal tunnel or along the nerve’s path.
Common causes and contributing factors include:
Repetitive hand or wrist movements (typing, assembly work, tools)
Prolonged computer or phone use
Poor posture, especially forward head or rounded shoulders
Neck or shoulder misalignment, affecting nerve tension
Inflammation or swelling in the wrist
Previous wrist injuries or fractures
Pregnancy or fluid retention
Chronic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis
At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, Dr. Luis Lopez looks beyond the wrist to assess how the entire spine, shoulder, and arm may be contributing to median nerve compression—and builds a care plan that addresses the full picture.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Shelby, NC
Chiropractic care takes a whole-body approach to carpal tunnel syndrome—focusing not only on the wrist, but also on the neck, shoulder, and spinal alignment that may be contributing to median nerve irritation.
Improve alignment in the cervical spine and shoulder
Relieve tension on the median nerve pathway
Reduce inflammation and pressure in the wrist
Restore healthy nerve communication and function
Support posture and ergonomics for long-term relief
At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, Dr. Luis Lopez uses gentle, non-invasive techniques to:
Each care plan is guided by your X-rays, symptoms, and spinal exam—so treatment is tailored to your body and your goals.
Our Approach at Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC
At Lopez Chiropractic, we don’t just focus on your wrist—we evaluate the entire length of the nerve pathway and how your spinal alignment, posture, and daily habits may be contributing to your symptoms.
Dr. Lopez will take time to understand your symptoms, how long they’ve been bothering you, and what activities make them better or worse—whether it’s typing, lifting, or sleeping.
Detailed Health History
We perform hands-on testing and postural evaluations of the neck, shoulders, arms, and wrists to identify joint restrictions, nerve tension, or muscular imbalances.
Full-Spine Assessment
Our advanced imaging helps evaluate spinal alignment and rule out structural issues in the neck or upper back that may be placing tension on the median nerve.
In-House Digital X-Rays
We’re proud to care for the Shelby community in both English and Spanish, so every patient feels welcome and understood.
Bilingual Support
Once we understand the root of your carpal tunnel symptoms, Dr. Lopez will create a care plan that’s tailored to your spine, your wrist, and your daily life.
Therapies We May Recommend
At Lopez Chiropractic, we treat carpal tunnel syndrome with more than just wrist care. Dr. Lopez may recommend a combination of therapies designed to relieve nerve pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility along the entire nerve pathway—from the neck to the hand.
Your personalized care plan may include:
Chiropractic Adjustments: Realign the cervical spine and upper back to reduce tension on the median nerve and support healthy posture.
Graston Technique: Break down scar tissue and release tight soft tissues in the forearm, shoulder, or wrist that may be compressing the nerve.
Mechanical Traction: Gently stretch the spine to reduce disc pressure and relieve irritation of nerves that contribute to arm and hand symptoms.
Electric Stimulation Therapy (E-Stim): Stimulate muscles and calm irritated nerves to reduce discomfort and support circulation in the affected areas.
Heat or Ice Therapy: Soothe inflammation and reduce swelling in the wrist and forearm for faster relief and improved range of motion.
Therapeutic Exercises: Strengthen the muscles of the neck, shoulder, and wrist to support long-term nerve health and prevent symptom flare-ups.
These therapies are selected based on what’s happening in your body—not just where the pain shows up—so your care truly supports healing from the inside out.
Treatment at Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC
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Chiropractic Adjustments
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Cryotherapy
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Digital Xrays
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Electric Stimulation Therapy
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Gonstead Technique
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Graston Technique
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Heat Therapy
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Intersegmental Traction Table
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Myofascial Release
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Ultrasound Therapy
Who Gets Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Shelby, NC
Carpal tunnel syndrome can affect anyone who uses their hands and wrists repetitively or maintains poor posture for extended periods. Over time, these habits can increase pressure on the median nerve—leading to symptoms that range from annoying to disabling.
If you live in the Shelby, NC area and are experiencing tingling, numbness, or wrist pain—especially if symptoms worsen with work or sleep—chiropractic care may help relieve pressure and prevent long-term nerve damage.
An office worker or student who types frequently
A mechanic, stylist, or tradesperson who uses tools daily
A cashier, musician, or assembly line worker performing repetitive tasks
Pregnant, due to increased fluid retention and swelling
Recovering from a wrist or hand injury
Living with a chronic condition like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
Someone with poor posture or forward head positioning
You may be more likely to experience carpal tunnel syndrome if you are:
Long-Term Benefits of Chiropractic for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Shelby, NC
Carpal tunnel syndrome often starts gradually but can become a long-term issue if the underlying nerve pressure isn't addressed. Chiropractic care focuses on correcting the root causes—so you can get relief now and protect your function long term.
With consistent care, many patients experience:
Reduced tingling, numbness, and wrist pain
Improved grip strength and hand coordination
Fewer nighttime symptoms or sleep disruptions
Better posture and spinal alignment
Lower risk of symptom progression or nerve damage
Less dependence on braces, medications, or injections
Avoidance of surgery in many cases
At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, we’re focused on helping you heal naturally, stay active, and avoid invasive interventions—so you can keep doing what you love with fewer limitations.
Carpal Tunnel FAQs
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Chiropractic care doesn’t “fix” carpal tunnel syndrome in the traditional sense, but it can help relieve the pressure on the median nerve that causes symptoms. By improving alignment and nerve function, many patients experience significant relief without the need for surgery.
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Carpal tunnel symptoms usually affect the thumb, index, and middle fingers, and may worsen at night or with repetitive use. Dr. Lopez performs a full evaluation—including orthopedic tests and spinal imaging—to rule out other conditions like cervical radiculopathy.
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Yes. At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, we include in-house digital X-rays as part of your evaluation. This helps determine if spinal misalignment or disc issues in the neck may be contributing to nerve irritation.
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Yes. Chiropractic care is safe and gentle. Dr. Lopez uses targeted adjustments and supportive therapies tailored to your specific condition, always prioritizing your comfort and safety.
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Many patients begin noticing improvements within a few visits, but lasting relief typically takes several weeks of consistent care—especially if symptoms have been present for a long time.
Schedule Your Chiropractic Evaluation in Shelby, NC
If you’re dealing with wrist pain, tingling, or numbness that’s affecting your work, sleep, or daily routine, it’s time to get evaluated. At Lopez Chiropractic, Dr. Luis Lopez offers comprehensive assessments—including in-house digital X-rays—and non-invasive care to help relieve pressure on the median nerve and restore healthy function.
Whether your symptoms are new or have been progressing over time, we’re here to help you heal naturally and avoid surgery whenever possible.
Call our Shelby office at (704) 419-3553 to schedule your chiropractic evaluation today.