Comprehensive Solutions for Wrist Pain, Numbness, and Weakness
If you are experiencing tingling in your fingers, a weakened grip, or a dull ache in your wrist that keeps you up at night, you may be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). While many people believe surgery is the only answer, at Optimal Spine and Sports Medicine, Dr. Kenneth Haywood provides non-invasive, effective treatments that address the root cause of nerve compression.
Our approach looks beyond the wrist to ensure your entire nervous system—from your neck to your fingertips—is functioning without interference.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand. When this tunnel becomes inflamed or misaligned, it puts pressure on the nerve.
Common Symptoms include:
- Numbness or Tingling: Often felt in the thumb and first three fingers.
- Hand Weakness: Difficulty gripping objects or performing fine motor tasks (like buttoning a shirt).
- Radiating Pain: Discomfort that travels from the wrist up the arm toward the shoulder.
- Nighttime Discomfort: Waking up with the urge to “shake out” your hands to restore feeling.
The “Double Crush” Phenomenon
One reason traditional wrist treatments often fail is that the source of the problem isn’t always in the wrist. Dr. Haywood looks for what is known as Double Crush Syndrome. This occurs when the nerve is being pinched in two places—typically the neck (cervical spine) and the wrist.
If a nerve is irritated at its source in the neck, it becomes much more sensitive to pressure at the wrist. By adjusting the spine and the wrist, Dr. Haywood provides a more complete and lasting solution than treating the hand alone.
Our Non-Surgical Treatment Strategy
Utilizing his background in Exercise and Sports Science, Dr. Haywood designs a customized rehab plan to reduce inflammation and restore mobility:
- Chiropractic Adjustments: Haywood performs gentle manipulations of the wrist, elbow, and cervical spine to ensure the median nerve has a clear, unobstructed path.
- Therapeutic Exercises: Specific “nerve gliding” exercises help the median nerve move smoothly through the carpal tunnel without getting caught on inflamed tissue.
- Ergonomic Coaching: We evaluate your workspace and daily habits to identify stressors (like poor typing posture) that are contributing to the condition.
- Splinting Advice: Guidance on when and how to use braces to prevent further irritation during sleep or high-activity tasks.
Why Choose Dr. Kenneth Haywood?
Carpal tunnel can be a career-threatening condition for many professionals in Houston, from office workers to surgeons and athletes. Dr. Haywood’s goal is to help you avoid the long recovery times and potential complications of surgery. By combining orthopedic testing with functional neurology, he ensures that your treatment plan is precise, effective, and tailored to your specific lifestyle.
Reclaim the Use of Your Hands
You don’t have to live with the constant distraction of hand pain and numbness. Let us help you find a natural way to reduce inflammation and restore your strength.
Ready to get back to work and play? Call Optimal Spine and Sports Medicine at (281) 301-7710 to schedule your carpal tunnel evaluation in Houston.