Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition arising from the median nerve of the wrist. The nerve becomes compressed or traumatized where it travels through the carpal tunnel. Causes can vary and are not always fully understood. What is understood is that it is painful!

The good news is that there are a number of treatments to successfully treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Treatment starts with a proper and thorough examination to determine the most appropriate method to address the problem and to confirm that the problem is, in fact, carpal tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms typically start gradually and progressively worsen. Common symptoms include:

• Tingling or numbness in your fingers or hand
• Decreased pinch strength
• Pain radiating from the wrist

Symptoms are frequently first noticed during sleep or after waking up in the morning. As the condition worsens, tingling, numbness, pain, and decreased strength may occur in the day. In untreated cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb may waste away.

If your symptoms persist, and especially if they affect your regular activities and sleep patterns, you need to be seen. Untreated, permanent muscle and nerve damage can definitely occur.

Other conditions can mimic carpal tunnel syndrome, so it’s important to get a proper and thorough diagnosis prior to treatment. Diagnosis can often be given at the first office visit.

Diagnosis begins with a physical examination. Occasionally laboratory tests, x-rays, electrodiagnostic tests, ultrasounds, and MRIs are necessary.

Treatment includes both non-operative and surgical options. This depends on the severity of the condition and how long it has persisted. Non-operative treatment could include medication, splinting, hand therapy, ergonomic modifications, and lifestyle changes.

Dr. Cohen is renowned for his surgical ability and for his judgment on when to first try non-surgical options.

Read and listen (audio quotes), to what just a few of Dr. Cohen’s patients have said:

(Note: be sure to click on the "stop" button before starting a new audio comment)

Mike from Thousand Oaks had carpal tunnel surgery on his right hand with another surgeon and was unhappy with the results. He chose to have Dr. Cohen perform surgery on his left hand for the same condition. He felt the results were extremely satisfactory, so he had Dr. Cohen perform carpal tunnel surgery on his right hand also. His symptoms are gone and he can now return back to work. Listen as he talks about his experience:

In her work as a research scientist Mary from Thousand Oaks works on the computer often. When she began having pain she visited Dr. Cohen's office and was diagnosed with carpal tunnel and trigger finger as well as arthritis. Dr. Cohen performed surgery on both hands and she was very happy with the outcome of each surgery. Today she has complete motion and no pain. Listen as she talks about her experience:

I visited Dr. Cohen for carpal tunnel. I am now able to enjoy activities with my children and I am very grateful for that. I had a great experience and enjoyed my visit with Dr. Cohen and his staff.
Arlene
Fillmore, CA

Randy from Camarillo was wary of undergoing carpal tunnel surgery. She now believes that Dr. Cohen is by far the best doctor she has ever seen and can't speak highly enough of him or his staff.

Claudine from Thousand Oaks, California, discusses her carpal tunnel syndrome, her hand and wrist surgery, and her experiences with Dr. Cohen and his office staff.

Rose, from Newbury Park had Carpal Tunnel and Trigger Finger in her right hand. She wasn’t able to do many of the things that had brought joy to her life. After an excellent surgery and after-care experience, the joy has returned.

From Sylvia in Agoura Hills, California, "Dr. Cohen is a miracle worker!" She came to him with a very, very painful carpal tunnel condition in her right wrist. After his treatment - she is now doing wonderfully.

Paul Valdez belongs to the Ironworkers Union, Local 433. He had both Epicondylitis (tennis elbow), and a carpal tunnel condition. Dr. Cohen performed surgery for both and in less than 2 months, Paul was back on the job!

(view 100's of related testimonials, here)

Want to learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome? Here are some resources

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
• Mayo Clinic
• MedlinePlus
• WebMD
• HC Magazine (.pdf)
  Could it be ... Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
  This article written by Denise Noyer-Erez, LAc, FABORM includes the expertise of Dr. Cohen and discusses diagnosis and treatment options.