Doctors do their best to diagnose pain, numbness, or tingling in the wrist—but sometimes the underlying problem isn’t in the wrist at all. Research published in the British Medical Journal, The Lancet shows that patients experiencing symptoms similar to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may actually have cervical neuritis, a type of nerve irritation that originates in the neck.
Think about it: treating a wrist problem with a brace, exercises, or even surgery—when the real source of the problem is higher up—may not fully resolve the symptoms.
A Gentle, Non-Surgical Solution
At Advanced Spinal Care, we use NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) care to address nerve irritation at its source—the upper neck.
The adjustment is:
- Gentle – Patients often describe it as feeling like a pulse being taken.
- Precise – Focused on the exact area where nerve interference is occurring.
- Effective – Helps restore normal nervous system communication, reducing pain, numbness, and dysfunction.
For many patients who were previously diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, NUCCA adjustments have:
- Reduced or eliminated wrist pain and numbness
- Allowed them to avoid invasive surgeries
- Provided long-lasting relief and improved quality of life
Why NUCCA Works
The upper cervical spine houses the brainstem and nerve pathways that control sensation and function in the arms and hands. Even a tiny misalignment can interfere with nerve communication, creating symptoms far from the original site.
By restoring proper alignment, NUCCA care:
- Relieves pressure on irritated nerves
- Promotes natural healing and proper function
- Targets the source of symptoms, not just the location where pain is felt
Take Action Before Surgery
If you’ve been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome—or have wrist pain, tingling, or numbness—you don’t have to go straight to surgery. A NUCCA evaluation can identify whether your symptoms originate in the upper neck and may provide a non-surgical path to relief.
Call Advanced Spinal Care today at 253-445-8181 to schedule your consultation and see if NUCCA care can help you avoid surgery and restore function naturally.

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Dr. Craig Lapenski at Advanced Spinal Care, in Graham, Washington is one of 27 Board Certified NUCCA Doctors worldwide. His clinic serves the highest quality upper cervical care in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Lapenski also serves a number of patients who are out of state including Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New York, and more! He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines, headaches, fibromyalgia, vertigo, neck pain, back pain, and more. More information can be found on our website at https://www.nuccawashington.com/

