Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when a nerve is pinched in the wrist. This nerve, called the median nerve, is the connection from the brain and spinal cord, down to the finger tips. In patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve is pinched as it passes through the wrist. Because of the compression, the nerve does not function properly. Common symptoms include a ‘pins and needles’ sensation in the hand, thumb and first two fingers, or even numbness in the same locations.  Dropping objects held in the hand is also a common complaint.

The median nerve travels under the transverse carpal ligament. The nerver is pinched in carpal tunnel syndrome.on, the nerve does not function properly.

How does the median nerve normally work?
Nerves are structures that relay messages to and from your brain. The nerve sends a message to your muscles when you want to move, and the nerve relays messages to your brain about sensations. Nerves control specific muscles, and nerves provide sensations for your body. The median nerve (the nerve that is affected in carpal tunnel syndrome) supplies messages to specific muscles of the hand. The median nerve also sends sensory information from most of the palm side of your hand and the thumb, forefinger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger.

The median nerve travels from branches off the spinal cord, down the arm, and into the wrist and hand. In the wrist, the median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel. Carpal comes from the Greek word for ‘wrist’-that’s what gives the tunnel its name. The carpal tunnel is actually made up of the wrist bones on the bottom, and a tight ligament on the top. The ligament that makes up the carpal tunnel is not flexible, nor are the wrist bones. Coursing through the carpal tunnel is the median nerve, as well as tendons that attach to your fingers.