Carpal Tunnel Specialist

As many as 10 million people are affected by pain and numbness of carpal tunnel syndrome in the United States. At Texas Brain & Spine Center, with offices in Webster and Lake Jackson, Texas, the medical team offers on-site diagnostic testing and treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome. Experienced neurosurgeon James Gregory Bonnen, MD, customizes treatment plans and performs minimally invasive decompression surgery to provide you with long-term pain relief. If carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms disrupt your life, book a consultation at Texas Brain & Spine Center by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.

Carpal Tunnel Q & A

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressive condition that affects the median nerve in your wrist. This nerve travels through the carpal tunnel and down into your hands and fingers. When pressure is frequently put on this nerve or surrounding tissue becomes inflamed, you experience episodes of numbness, tingling, and pain, which can worsen over time.

Pressure on the median nerve is often the result of:

While there is no single cause for added pressure on the median nerve it’s often the result of a combination of risk factors, which can include:

  • Anatomic factors, including previous wrist injuries

  • Being female

  • Nerve damaging conditions, like diabetes

  • Inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis

  • Being obese

  • Pregnancy

  • Job tasks that require repetitive wrist movements

You may be prone to developing carpal tunnel syndrome as you age or due to underlying medical conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Pain, tingling, and numbness can affect your wrist and radiate up into your forearm and down into your fingers.

You may also experience carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms like:

  • Burning

  • Weakness

  • Electric shocks of pain

Due to weakness, you may find it difficult to grip objects and may frequently drop things. You may also struggle to perform movements, like tying your shoes or buttoning your clothing.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

During your evaluation, Dr. Bonnen can diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome by assessing your medical history, conducting a physical examination, and using specific tests called nerve conduction studies.

Once he confirms your symptoms related to carpal tunnel syndrome, Dr. Bonnen creates a treatment plan that focuses on long-term pain relief and increased function of your wrist, arm, and hand.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

Initially, pain-relievers and anti-inflammatories may keep you comfortable. You may also benefit from physical therapy and at-home exercises to strengthen the muscles in your wrist and hand.

If you have chronic pain from advanced carpal tunnel syndrome, you may be a good candidate for carpal tunnel release surgery. Dr. Bonnen uses minimally invasive techniques that require only small incisions to relieve pressure on your median nerve. He cuts the surrounding ligaments pressing into your nerves using a small telescope-like device, known as an endoscope.

The endoscope has an attached camera that sends real-time images of the surgical site to an external monitor that Dr. Bonnen watches during the procedure.

Because of the small incisions, minimally invasive techniques cause fewer traumas to your body and ensure you heal quicker and with less risk of infection.

To find relief from symptoms of chronic carpal tunnel syndrome, schedule a consultation at Texas Brain & Spine Center today using the online booking tool or by calling the office nearest you.