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Understanding Carpal Tunnel: Causes, Relief, and Prevention

  • May 26, 2026

Episode Notes:

In this episode, Dr. Cory Powers from Powers Chiropractic in Omaha breaks down carpal tunnel syndrome—a condition he sees nearly every week in his practice.

If you’ve experienced tingling, numbness, or pain in your hands and fingers, especially at night or when gripping objects, this episode is for you. Dr. Powers explains what’s actually happening in the carpal tunnel and shares practical insights on causes, relief options, and prevention strategies.

Whether you’re dealing with carpal tunnel symptoms now or want to prevent them in the future, you’ll find actionable information to help you understand and address this common condition.

Hey there, this is Doctor Cory Powers from Powers Chiropractic here in Omaha. Thanks for tuning in today.

So, let’s talk about something I see nearly every single week in my practice… carpal tunnel syndrome. You know that tingling, numbness, or pain in your hand and fingers? Maybe it wakes you up at night, or your hand feels weak when you’re trying to grip your coffee mug in the morning. If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone.

Here’s what’s actually happening. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist… think of it like a tunnel made of bones and ligaments. Running through that tunnel is your median nerve, along with tendons that help your fingers move. When that tunnel gets too tight, or when things inside get inflamed and swollen, your median nerve gets squeezed. And that’s when you start feeling those symptoms.

Now, what causes this? Well, repetitive hand motions are a big one. If you’re typing all day, using tools, or doing assembly work… your hands are making the same movements over and over. That repetition can cause irritation and swelling. But here’s what a lot of people don’t realize… the problem often starts further up the chain. Your neck, your shoulder, even your elbow… if you’ve got nerve irritation or poor posture up there, it can contribute to what’s happening down at your wrist.

So what can you do about it? First, take breaks. If you’re at a computer, every thirty minutes, stop and move. Shake out your hands, roll your shoulders back, stretch your wrists gently in different directions. Second, check your workspace setup. Your keyboard should be at elbow height, and your wrists should stay in a neutral position… not bent up or down while you type.

Here’s another tip… ice and rest during flare-ups can really help bring down inflammation. And pay attention to your sleeping position. A lot of people sleep with their wrists curled up, which makes symptoms worse at night. Try keeping your wrists straight, maybe even with a simple brace while you sleep.

Now, here’s the thing. If you’re dealing with carpal tunnel symptoms, it’s worth getting evaluated by a professional. As a chiropractor, I look at the whole picture… not just your wrist, but your neck alignment, your shoulder mechanics, your posture. Sometimes we can take pressure off that nerve through adjustments, soft tissue work, and rehab exercises. And we can help you figure out what’s driving the problem in the first place.

Don’t ignore those symptoms and hope they’ll just go away. The earlier you address it, the better your outcome is going to be.

If you’re here in the Omaha area and you’d like to get checked out, we’d love to help you at Powers Chiropractic. Give us a call or stop by. And hey, even if you’re not local, find a chiropractor near you who understands nerve and musculoskeletal issues.

Thanks so much for listening today. Take care of those hands, and I’ll catch you on the next episode.