How we evaluate it at Vitality Chiropractic

We never assume the wrist is the whole story. Your examination includes orthopedic and neurological testing along the full nerve path — cervical spine testing, provocative tests at the shoulder, elbow, and wrist, plus strength, sensation, and reflex checks — alongside joint-by-joint assessment of the neck, upper back, elbow, and the small bones of the wrist for restricted motion. In our clinical model, restricted spinal joint motion affecting nerve function — vertebral subluxation — is a primary suspect whenever nerve symptoms appear in a limb, and it's why the neck is examined even when the hand is what tingles. Thermal scanning and HRV testing establish an objective nervous system baseline, and cervical X-rays are taken when clinically indicated.

When chiropractic first makes sense — and when we refer

Mild to moderate symptoms — intermittent numbness, night waking, achiness with use — are appropriate for conservative care first, and that's the sequence most guidelines support before surgery is considered. We refer without hesitation when the examination shows signs of advanced nerve compromise: constant numbness that never fully clears, visible wasting of the muscle pad at the base of the thumb, progressive weakness, or dropping objects. Those cases need nerve conduction testing (EMG/NCV) and a surgical consultation, and delaying that referral risks permanent nerve damage. If that's what we find, we'll tell you at the report of findings — not after months of care.

What care looks like

Care is matched to where your nerve is actually being irritated. That typically combines specific adjustments to restore motion to restricted cervical, upper-back, elbow, and wrist joints; soft-tissue work for the forearm flexors and the muscles the nerve passes beneath; Avant laser therapy at the wrist to reduce inflammation around the nerve; SoftWave therapy for chronic tendon thickening when the case calls for it; nerve-gliding exercises for your home program; and ergonomic correction of the workstation or task that created the overload — because care that ignores eight daily hours of provocation doesn't hold. Night splinting may be recommended in the early phase. Your plan includes re-evaluations where we re-test strength and sensation against your baseline.