Can cervical spondylosis cause bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome?
Disease description:
About a year ago, my mother began experiencing pain and numbness at the tips of her fingers, often waking up at night due to the discomfort. She subsequently visited a hospital, where Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners diagnosed her with cervical spondylosis. Can cervical spondylosis cause bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Cervical spondylosis generally does not cause bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Typically, the symptoms—such as numbness and weakness in the fingers—are not due to pathology of the wrists themselves, but rather result from compression of the median nerve. Patients should seek appropriate diagnostic evaluation at a hospital. If prolonged neck flexion occurs frequently, attention should be paid to keeping the neck warm; medications that promote blood circulation, unblock meridians, and nourish nerves may be taken; additionally, cervical traction or physical therapy may be beneficial.
